Most people with coronavirus have at least one of the three main symptoms: a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, and a less or change to your sense of smell or taste. But how do you know if you really have a high temperature? What counts as a high temperature?
A high temperature isn’t just feeling a bit hot and bothered.
Everyone’s body temperature is different, and your body temperature will change throughout the day.
A normal body temperature for you might be slightly lower than for someone else.
A number of things can cause a high temperature, but normally it is caused by your body fighting an infection.
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What is a high temperature?
According to the NHS, a high temperature is usually considered to be 38C or above.
A high temperature is also known as a fever.
If you feel hot or shivery, you may have a high temperature even if your temperature is below 38C.
Use a digital thermometer to measure the temperature of your body to check if your temperature is much higher than usual.
How to use a thermometer
- Clean the tip with cold water and soap, then rinse it.
- Turn the thermometer on.
- Put the tip under your tongue, towards the back of your mouth.
- Close your lips around the thermometer.
- Wait until it beeps or flashes.
- Check the temperature on the display.
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How to measure your temperature without a thermometer
You can still tell if you have a high temperature without a thermometer.
Simply touch your chest and back to feel if you are hotter than usual.
Sometimes you might feel shivery and get chills instead.
Touching your forehead, contrary to popular belief, is not an accurate way of checking your temperature.
How to lower your body temperature
If you have a high temperature, this is your body trying to fight an infection.
The best way to treat it is to get lots of rest, so stay in bed if you can.
Drink lots of water or other fluids to keep hydrated– make sure your wee is light yellow rather than dark.
If you think you have coronavirus, ring 111 to get help and do not go out.
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