Is 37 degrees under the armpit considered a fever?

When we find that our body temperature is higher than others or we feel cold, we will habitually use a thermometer to measure the temperature. However, people often do not have a normal understanding of what temperature is considered a fever. If they think the temperature is a little high, they take medicine or get injections for treatment, which will cause the body's immunity to decline over time. So is it considered a fever when the body temperature is 37 degrees?

Generally speaking, 37 degrees is not considered a fever. This body temperature is within the normal range, and a normal child's body temperature is between 36.9 and 37.5 degrees.

The normal body temperature is between 36.5℃-37.5℃ at the anus; between 36.2℃-37.3℃ at the mouth; and between 35.9℃-37.2℃ at the armpit. After measurement, any temperature that exceeds the normal range by more than 0.5℃ is called fever, any temperature that does not exceed 38℃ is called low fever, and any temperature that exceeds 39℃ is called high fever.

Young children have a slightly higher body temperature than adults because their temperature regulation center is unstable and their metabolism is more active. Body temperature also fluctuates during the day. It is lower when you are resting and higher when you are active. It is lowest between 2 and 6 in the morning and highest between 2 and 8 in the afternoon, with a fluctuation range of about 0.6°C.

Therefore, a child's body temperature will change with the problems in his environment. As long as the child does not show other symptoms, there is no problem.

How to measure baby's temperature correctly

1. It is better to measure axillary temperature than rectal temperature

Because rectal temperature must be inserted into the anus, it is more irritating to the baby, while axillary temperature is milder.

2. Mercury thermometers or ear thermometers are suitable for babies under three years old

The accuracy and safety of ear thermometers have been recognized by the medical community; mercury thermometers are more accurate than electronic thermometers.

3. Shake the mercury column to below 36°C before use.

The body temperature measured in this way is accurate.

4. Sufficient time is required

If the thermometer is placed under the armpit, it will take five minutes, while it will only take one minute if placed at the anus.

5. Lubricate the anal tube first

Before measuring rectal temperature, you need to apply lubricating cream on the rectal thermometer and then insert it 2 cm into the anus.

6. Do not take your temperature immediately after bathing, eating, or exercising

It takes half an hour to measure body temperature after taking a bath. If the body temperature is between 38-38.5℃ after eating hot food, just coming in from outside on a hot day or exercising, you should rest for half an hour before measuring your temperature. It is not advisable to hastily diagnose a fever.

Human body temperature needs to be maintained at a certain level to maintain health and body function. If the body temperature is low or high, it is very dangerous to our health and even life. If the body temperature is high, you can reduce your clothes appropriately, drink more water, take antipyretics, etc. The normal armpit temperature is 36 to 37 degrees, so 37 degrees is not considered a fever.