What is the fever temperature associated with novel coronavirus infection?

The novel coronavirus responsible for the current outbreak is a previously unidentified virus. Therefore, understanding its symptoms plays a positive role in preventing infection. Many people are particularly concerned about the specific body temperature at which fever occurs in novel coronavirus infection—this article provides detailed information on that topic.

What Temperature Constitutes Fever in Novel Coronavirus Infection?

Fever is one of the common symptoms of novel coronavirus infection. First, patients need to understand what constitutes a fever. The specific temperature threshold for fever depends on the site of measurement. Normal axillary (underarm) temperature ranges from 36°C to 37°C. Oral temperature normally falls between 36.3°C and 37.2°C. Rectal (anal) temperature typically ranges from 36.5°C to 37.79°C. Temperatures exceeding these ranges indicate fever. However, the degree of fever varies depending on disease severity and individual physiological factors, and no single definitive temperature value applies universally.

Symptoms of Novel Coronavirus Infection

Clinical manifestations of novel coronavirus infection depend on both viral characteristics and the patient’s underlying health status. In addition to fever, current evidence indicates the following primary features:

1. Mild Symptoms

In mild cases, patients commonly experience fatigue, dry cough, and progressive shortness of breath or dyspnea. Notably, some patients may not develop fever at all.

2. Severe Symptoms

In severe cases, patients may develop acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), septic shock, refractory metabolic acidosis, coagulopathy, and pneumonia. A small proportion of patients may progress to renal failure or even death.

3. Radiological Findings

Early radiographic findings often include multiple small patchy opacities and interstitial changes, predominantly in the peripheral lung zones. These may progress to bilateral ground-glass opacities and consolidative infiltrates; in severe cases, pulmonary consolidation may occur. Pleural effusion is uncommon. Beyond imaging, laboratory abnormalities during early illness may include normal or reduced total peripheral white blood cell count, lymphopenia, and elevated levels of liver enzymes, creatine kinase, and myoglobin in some patients.

The above outlines the fever temperature range associated with novel coronavirus pneumonia and aims to provide helpful information for the general public.