Is low grade fever a symptom of COVID-19?

Disclaimer: This article should not be taken as medical advice

• Low grade fever is a type of fever in which the temperature is slightly above the normal range, but below what would be considered a fever.
• It can occur for several reasons and may be accompanied by other symptoms.
• The easiest way to determine if you have a low-grade fever — or any fever — is to simply take your temperature.

Feeling tired or exhausted? Or just not feeling right? You may have a low-grade fever. Low grade fever is a type of fever in which the temperature is slightly above the normal range, but below what would be considered a fever.

Fevers are common and can happen for a variety of reasons at different severity levels.

According to the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a person with temperature at or above 100.4 fahrenheit or 38 degree Celsius is considered to have a fever.

What causes low grade fever or possible reasons behind low grade fever?

Low grade fevers can occur for several reasons and may be accompanied by other symptoms. According to late renowned cardiologist, K K Aggarwal, low grade fever can be caused due to cold, flu, COVID-19, tuberculosis (TB), exertion or tiredness.

He further said, “When we have low grade fever which is persistent, then we look for COVID-19 and TB. Low grade fever can happen in TB as well and can last upto 6 months. It is very rare that you might have low grade fever due to major diseases like cancer or TB and now COVID-19 also.”

“In COVID-19, the low grade fever can last upto 3 months. Nowadays, this is very common especially after COVID,” said Aggarwal in one of his videos posted on his Youtube channel.

Fevers can occur more often in those who suffer from flus than in those who suffer from colds. However, fevers that occur during colds are more likely to be low-grade fevers, whereas fevers that occur with the flu can be low-grade or more severe.

Possible signs and symptoms of low-grade fever

The easiest way to determine if you have a low-grade fever — or any fever — is to simply take your temperature.

However, in addition to a raised temperature, there are other signs of fever, as per Vicks, an American medications brand —

1. Warm skin
2. A flushed face
3. Glassy eyes
4. Chills or shivering
5. Sweating
6. Headache
7. Muscle ache
8. Coughs
9. Sore throat

How can you treat a low grade fever?

1. The best way to treat low grade fever is to take a complete rest and drink a lot of fluids.
2. Consult your doctor if your fever is accompanied by severe headache, sore throat, stiff neck, shortness of breath or unusual signs.
3. Place a cold, damp washcloth on your forehead or the back of your neck while you’re resting.

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