COVID-19 Symptoms Explained: Fever
Until the recent past, a mild fever was generally no cause for concern. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, even the slightest symptoms can trigger concerns about the virus, and a higher-than-normal temperature is no exception.
So, can a fever be a symptom of COVID-19? Yes, it can. An analysis published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information found that, among the cases studied, 79.43% of adult COVID-19 patients and 45.86% of pediatric COVID-19 patients experienced a fever as one of their symptoms.
It’s no surprise that a fever would be a symptom of COVID-19, since fevers are often caused by viral infections. Because it’s more difficult for viruses to survive in higher temperatures, our immune system will often raise our body temperature as a way to kill off a virus (the same is true for many bacterial infections).
What If You Don’t Have a Fever?
It’s important to remember that COVID-19 doesn’t always cause a fever, so you could have a normal temperature and still be infected. For this reason, it’s important to also watch out for other symptoms of the virus, which can include:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Difficulty breathing
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Nasal congestion or a runny nose
- Sore throat
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- A new loss of taste or smell
COVID-19 Testing Near You
If you’re experiencing a fever or any other COVID-19 symptoms, one of the first things you should do is get tested for the virus. Whether your test comes back positive or negative, the results will provide insight into the next steps you should take.
Luckily, PhysicianOne Urgent Care offers a convenient way to get tested for COVID-19. We have immediate care centers located across Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York, and patients can either reserve a spot online or simply walk in whenever it’s most convenient for them. You can also schedule a Virtual Visit to discuss your symptoms with one of our providers, and if they recommend that you get a COVID-19 test, we’ll prioritize your test when you visit our urgent care center in person.
To learn more about PhysicianOne Urgent Care’s approach to COVID-19 testing and treatment, click here. You can also contact us with any questions you may have.
