Coronavirus infection and fever

In the light of our current scientific knowledge:

1. The majority of COVID-19 illnesses - caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus - are asymptomatic or mild in most healthy children, adolescents, young adults and middle-aged adults (167). It is expected that 95% of the population will be infected and become immune this way (164). 
2. Fever, as a natural and useful reaction of the body, should generally not to be reduced, since fever is well-regulated process and is linked the activity of the immune system.
3. We advise that for patients who are generally in good condition and who can be cared for at home, that you should not routinely inhibit fever with medications, even if the patients have to endure some mild discomfort. Allowing a fever to work has its advantages (173). A distinction must be made between controlled fever in the first stage of the disease and disruptive fever indicating the time of cytokine storm. Not the former, the latter is worth to reduce.
4. Fever is common during the infection. Therefore, you should not aim to achieve a fever-free body temperature during infection. The height of the fever primarily does not reflect the severity of the infection, but rather the degree of the organism’s reaction. It can reach up to 41^oC. Even in very severe COVID-19 patients, the benefits of high fever have been observed (168).
5. In a typical, mild course, fever subsides after 1-3 days, as the infection is overcome.
6. Lowering fever should be reserved for situations when someone has really been worn down and does not have the reserves to finish working through an illness, or to reduce severe pain, e.g. risk of circulatory or respiratory decompensation, depletion of fluid metabolism, nervous system involvement, etc.
7. The NSAIDs, particularly ibuprofen, are considered to have more antiinflammatory properties than acetaminophen, and may carry additional risks of promoting
   infection (174).
8. Multiorgan inflammation (PIMS/MISC) is very rare, occurring 2-4 weeks after asymptomatic infection, especially at the age of 8-12, with a very different course. Typical symptoms include high fever, weakness, lethargy, drowsiness, non-exudative conjunctivitis, lymph node swelling, cracked lips, skin rash (non-blanching), diarrhea, abdominal pain, if worsening: edema, increased breathing and heart rate. By recording the child's symptoms and parameters into the application, the caregiver can find out if this is an urgent condition.

           The condition is transient and responds well to appropriate emergency treatment.

1. Get medical help if the condition worsens and the patient requires more support. You can find out how to do this on our website. Observe current epidemiological and governmental regulations!

You can find the corresponding numbered references here: References