Fever

• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

  This article covers the basics of COVID-19, including common symptoms, treatment, the course of the disease, and how to care for yourself.

• COVID-19: What Is It?

  Find out what COVID-19 is, how it's spread, its symptoms, and how to protect yourself and others.

• COVID-19: Taking Care of Yourself If You Have It

  Learn how to take care of yourself if you have COVID-19 and find out ways to prevent spreading it to others.

• COVID-19: Taking Care of Yourself If You've Been Exposed

  Learn how to take care of yourself if you have been exposed to COVID-19 and find out ways to prevent spreading it to others.

• COVID-19: Keeping Your Distance

  Learn what social distancing means and why it's important to keep your distance.

• COVID-19: 7 Things You Can Do to Keep Your Distance

  Discover things you can do to while keeping a social distance.

• COVID-19: 5 Steps to Washing Your Hands

  Learn the 5 steps to hand-washing.

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom Checker

  The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is caused by a virus. It is an illness that was first found in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. It has since spread worldwide. The virus can cause fever, cough, and trouble breathing. In severe cases, it can cause pneumonia and make it hard to breathe without help. It can cause...

• COVID-19: Call First to Be Sure

  During the coronavirus outbreak, learn what to do if you do if you feel sick.

• Fever: Here's Help

  Take a minute to find out what it means when you have a fever.

• Fever or Chills, Age 11 and Younger

  Discusses fevers in children age 11 and younger. Includes info on temperatures considered normal, mild fever, or high fever. Offers home treatment tips to reduce fever. Includes interactive tool to help you decide when to call a doctor.

• Fever or Chills, Age 12 and Older

  Discusses fevers in those age 12 and older. Includes info on temperatures considered normal, mild fever, or high fever. Covers causes of fever and offers home treatment tips. Includes interactive tool to help you decide when to see a doctor.

• Immunizations That May Cause Fever

  Short-term, mild reactions to immunizations are common. Immunizations that may cause a fever include: Diphtheria, tetanus, acellular pertussis (DTaP) or diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT). Babies can have a fever of up to 104 F (40 C) within 2 to 3 hours of getting the DTaP or DPT shot. Children may be fussy...

• Sponge Bath for a Child's Fever

  A sponge bath may be given if: Your child's fever is 104 F (40 C) or higher and Acetaminophen or ibuprofen has not lowered the temperature and Your child is very uncomfortable. Give your child an appropriate dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen before giving him or her a sponge bath. Wait 30...

• Aspirin for Pain, Fever, and Inflammation

  Aspirin (such as Bayer or Bufferin) relieves pain and reduces fever and inflammation. Warning: Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than 20 unless your doctor tells you to do so because of the risk of Reye syndrome. Be sure to follow the nonprescription medicine precautions. Aspirin is a nonsteroidal...

• Fever During Pregnancy

  It is not unusual to develop a viral illness that causes a fever during pregnancy or after your delivery. Mild fevers that last only a short time usually are not a concern. An ongoing fever that does not get better with home treatment, such as taking acetaminophen, or that does not improve after several days may mean...

• Fever Temperatures: Accuracy and Comparison

  You can take a temperature using the mouth (oral), anus (rectal), armpit (axillary), or ear (tympanic). But the temperature readings vary depending on which one you use, and you need an accurate body temperature to determine if a fever is present. Medical research hasn't determined an exact correlation between...