Am I Experiencing a Fever? Body Temperature Fluctuations

Q: Am I Experiencing a Fever? Body Temperature Fluctuations

Mr. <br>Albert： Hello. <br>Your axillary temperature is mostly below 37 degrees Celsius (14 out of 17 measurements), with three instances exceeding 37 degrees. <br>I wouldn't classify this as a persistent fever. <br>However, some of your temperature readings are slightly elevated

Is this considered a fever?

Dear Doctor,
Hello.
Recently, I have been feeling a lot of eye strain, so I suspect I might have a fever.
I have been measuring my temperature every hour from yesterday to today, using axillary temperature.
Here are the readings:
From July 24:
11:00 - 36.8°C
12:00 - 36.5°C
13:00 - 36.3°C
14:00 - 37.2°C
15:00 - 37.2°C
16:00 - 36.8°C
17:00 - 36.5°C
18:00 - 36.5°C
19:00 - 36.5°C
20:00 - 35.8°C
21:00 - 35.5°C
22:00 - 35.8°C
From July 25:
07:00 - 36.5°C
08:00 - 36.8°C
09:00 - 36.4°C
10:00 - 36.9°C
11:00 - 37.5°C
It seems that my axillary temperature has exceeded 37°C.
Even if I have a fever, I would like to ask you, Doctor, does this count as a persistent fever? Are my temperatures generally elevated? I apologize for bothering you during your busy schedule.
Thank you very much, and I wish you all the best.
Sincerely,
Doctor Q&A Teams

Albert, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2008/07/26

Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine

Mr.
Albert: Hello.
Your axillary temperature is mostly below 37 degrees Celsius (14 out of 17 measurements), with three instances exceeding 37 degrees.
I wouldn't classify this as a persistent fever.
However, some of your temperature readings are slightly elevated.
Generally, oral temperatures are about 0.5 degrees higher than axillary temperatures.
If we add 0.5 degrees to all your axillary temperature readings, six out of your 17 measurements would be above 37.2 degrees, which may be a bit high.
Notably, these higher temperatures occurred around noon or in the afternoon, which aligns with the typical diurnal variation in body temperature for most individuals.
Therefore, I suspect that your axillary temperature of 37.5 degrees at 11 AM on July 25 may have been influenced by a warmer environment at that time.
Measuring body temperature is an important basis for diagnosing diseases.
However, it is not necessary to be overly concerned about the exact temperature readings, as some individuals naturally have slightly higher body temperatures than average.
If you still have concerns, please visit a hospital for further tests to rule out any potential infections.
Sincerely, Dr.
Chuan Yao, Attending Physician, Department of Internal Medicine, Taoyuan General Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2008/07/26

More Info

When it comes to understanding whether you are experiencing a fever, it’s essential to consider the normal range of body temperature and the factors that can influence it. The average normal body temperature is typically around 98.6°F (37°C), but it can vary from person to person and can fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors such as activity level, time of day, and even the method of measurement.

From your recorded temperatures, it appears that most of your readings are below 37.5°C, which is generally considered the threshold for fever. Specifically, you recorded temperatures ranging from 35.3°C to 37.5°C, with only a few instances exceeding 37°C. This suggests that while you may have experienced slight elevations in temperature, it does not consistently indicate a fever.

It’s also important to note that body temperature can fluctuate due to a variety of reasons. For instance, physical activity, emotional stress, and environmental conditions can all lead to temporary increases in body temperature. Additionally, the method of measurement can also affect the readings; axillary (underarm) temperatures are typically lower than oral or rectal temperatures. Therefore, if you were to convert your axillary readings to oral equivalents, they might appear even lower.

Your concern about experiencing eye strain and questioning whether it correlates with fever is valid. Eye strain can result from prolonged screen time, lack of sleep, or even dehydration, which may not necessarily be linked to fever. If you are feeling discomfort in your eyes, it might be beneficial to take regular breaks from screens, ensure proper lighting, and stay hydrated.

In terms of your temperature readings, while you did have a couple of instances where your temperature reached 37.5°C, this is not sufficient to classify as a persistent fever. A persistent fever is typically defined as a temperature that remains elevated above 38°C (100.4°F) for an extended period. Since your readings mostly hover around normal or slightly elevated, it does not indicate a fever.

If you continue to feel unwell or if your symptoms worsen, it would be prudent to consult with a healthcare professional. They can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly additional tests, to rule out any underlying conditions that may be causing your symptoms.
In summary, based on your recorded temperatures and the absence of consistent fever, it does not appear that you are experiencing a fever. However, if you have ongoing concerns about your health or if your symptoms change, seeking medical advice is always a wise decision. Remember, maintaining hydration, taking breaks from screens, and monitoring your symptoms can help you manage your overall well-being effectively.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Unexplained Fever: When to Seek Medical Advice

Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing sudden increases in body temperature, around 37-37.4 degrees Celsius when measured in the ear. Is this considered a fever? It is also accompanied by fatigue and headaches, but this occurs while I am indoors and at rest. I usually f...

Dr. Hou Angting reply Family Medicine
Hello: It is recommended that you visit the Family Medicine outpatient clinic for evaluation and follow-up. Wishing you good health.

Understanding Elevated Body Temperature: Is It Fever or Just Normal Variation?

Hello Doctor, I have been experiencing a body temperature ranging from around 37.5 degrees Celsius since this past Monday, with a low of 37.1 and a high of 37.7. My usual temperature is about 37.3 to 37.6. I also have symptoms of sweaty palms and feet, as well as discomfort in my...

Dr. Ye Qianyu reply Family Medicine
Hello! It is recommended that you seek medical treatment at a healthcare facility.

Understanding Fluctuating Body Temperature: Causes and Solutions

Hello, doctor. Recently, I have noticed that my body temperature fluctuates between feeling hot and cold. After measuring, I found that whenever my body temperature drops to 36.5 degrees Celsius, I feel very uncomfortable, experiencing symptoms such as shaking hands and overall w...

Dr. Ke Zhengchang reply Internal Medicine
Based on your description, it could be hyperthyroidism or another endocrine disorder. It is recommended to schedule an appointment with a metabolic specialist for examination and treatment.

Feeling Hot Without a Fever: Understanding Your Symptoms

Hello, I have been experiencing a sensation of heat in my body for quite some time, but my temperature readings do not indicate a fever. A noticeable symptom is that my eye sockets feel even hotter when my body feels warm. Which specialty should I consult for this issue? I am con...

Dr. Lin Wufu reply Internal Medicine
Hello! In medical terms, a fever is defined as a body temperature exceeding 38 degrees Celsius (or 38.3 degrees Celsius). Therefore, if your temperature readings are consistently normal, it is not related to fever. Additionally, during a fever, individuals primarily experience ch...