COVID-19 and Temperature Elevation: Frequency and Response Strategies
Fever, cough, and loss of smell or taste are among the most common symptoms of COVID-19, a disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. According to a review in PLOS One, fever was found to be the most common symptom among almost 25,000 adults with COVID-19[1].
Fever, often the first symptom to appear, can range from 46% to 81% of cases, depending on the population and context[1][3]. It is typically followed by other symptoms such as cough, sore throat, or muscle pain[3]. In contrast, cough is reported in 32% to 55.9% of cases[1].
Other symptoms like headache, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues occur less frequently, often in less than 10% to 20% of cases[1]. However, it's important to note that not everyone who develops COVID-19 will experience fever.
In addition to fever and cough, other common symptoms of COVID-19 include fatigue, loss of smell or taste, muscle aches, headache, sore throat, nausea, and diarrhea. Less commonly, people report rashes and confusion or delirium, particularly in older adults[2].
Most people with COVID-19 experience mild-to-moderate disease and recover within 1-2 weeks without hospital treatment. However, some people with COVID-19 have no symptoms at all, with estimates suggesting 40-45% of cases occur without symptoms[1].
For those with symptoms, it's crucial to take precautions to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2. These precautions include staying at home, avoiding contact with others, monitoring symptoms, taking precautions to protect others, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
In severe cases, doctors may treat COVID-19 with antiviral or steroid drugs, ventilation, or monoclonal antibody therapy. Early data suggests that around 1 in 20 people experience symptoms for 8 weeks, while 1 in 50 have symptoms for 12 weeks or longer[3].
It is generally safe to leave the house again when all symptoms have improved, fever has not returned for at least 24 hours, and a specified amount of time has passed since the first symptoms appeared. Over-the-counter medications may help with specific symptoms, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) for pain relief.
References: [1] Peckham, S. et al. (2020). Clinical features of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ, 371, m3160. [2] Wu, Z. et al. (2020). Clinical characteristics of 138 hospitalized patients with 2019 novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in Wuhan, China. The Lancet, 395(10223), 497-506. [3] World Health Organization. (2020). Clinical management of severe acute respiratory infection when novel coronavirus (nCoV) infection is suspected. Interim guidance. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/clinical-management-of-severe-acute-respiratory-infection-when-novel-coronavirus-ncov-infection-is-suspected
- While fever and cough are common symptoms of COVID-19, other medical conditions like depression, obesity, HIV, and even depression can co-occur, potentially affecting health and wellness.
- A predictive study suggests that there might be a correlation between COVD-19 and an increased risk of depression due to the isolation and fear associated with the disease.
- Similarly, research indicates that people with obesity might be at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 symptoms due to underlying health issues.
- Interestingly, the science behind HIV and COVID-19 interactions shows that individuals with HIV who contract COVID-19 might have a weaker immune response, potentially leading to more severe symptoms.
- During the recovery phase from COVID-19, it is essential to monitor other symptoms like fever, as they can return. Additionally, some individuals might experience conditions such as obesity, depression, or HIV, which require ongoing medical care and attention.
