Is a Body Temperature of 37.5°C Normal or a Sign of Fever?

Q: Is a Body Temperature of 37.5°C Normal or a Sign of Fever?

Hello： Theoretically, fever is defined as a rectal temperature >38°C, oral temperature >37.5°C, ear temperature >37.8°C, or axillary temperature >37.5°C. <br>However, in practice, a temperature >38°C is often directly recorded as fever. <br>Changhua Hospital cares about your heal

Temperature..?

Doctor, may I ask if a body temperature of 37.5°C measured with a mercury thermometer is considered normal? Is a temperature of 38°C considered a fever?

ER, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2012/08/14

Dr. Cai Anshun reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology

Hello: Theoretically, fever is defined as a rectal temperature >38°C, oral temperature >37.5°C, ear temperature >37.8°C, or axillary temperature >37.5°C.
However, in practice, a temperature >38°C is often directly recorded as fever.
Changhua Hospital cares about your health.
Dr.
Tsai An-Shun.

Reply Date: 2012/08/14

More Info

A body temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is generally considered to be on the higher end of the normal range, but it is not classified as a fever. The typical normal body temperature for adults is around 36.1°C to 37.2°C (97°F to 99°F), with variations depending on the individual, the time of day, and the method of measurement.
In clinical practice, fever is typically defined as a body temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher when measured rectally, or 37.5°C (99.5°F) or higher when measured orally. For axillary (underarm) measurements, a temperature of 37.5°C (99.5°F) is also considered elevated, but it is important to note that axillary temperatures are usually lower than oral or rectal temperatures. Therefore, a reading of 37.5°C taken from the axilla may not necessarily indicate fever, but rather a slight elevation in temperature.

To clarify further, the definitions of fever can vary slightly based on the measurement method:
- Rectal temperature: Fever is defined as >38°C (100.4°F).

- Oral temperature: Fever is defined as >37.5°C (99.5°F).

- Axillary temperature: Fever is defined as >37.5°C (99.5°F).

- Tympanic (ear) temperature: Fever is defined as >37.8°C (100°F).

In your case, a temperature of 37.5°C is at the threshold of what could be considered elevated, but it does not meet the criteria for fever. It is essential to consider other symptoms that may accompany the elevated temperature, such as chills, sweating, headache, fatigue, or other signs of illness. If you are experiencing additional symptoms or if your temperature continues to rise, it may be prudent to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation.

Moreover, body temperature can fluctuate throughout the day due to various factors, including physical activity, hormonal changes, and environmental conditions. For instance, body temperature tends to be lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening. This diurnal variation is normal and should be taken into account when assessing body temperature readings.

If you are concerned about your health or if you experience persistent symptoms, it is advisable to seek medical attention. A healthcare provider can perform a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination and possibly laboratory tests, to determine if there is an underlying condition that requires treatment.
In summary, while a body temperature of 37.5°C is slightly elevated, it does not constitute a fever. It is essential to monitor for any additional symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if you have concerns about your health.

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