From the Guidelines
A temperature of 37°C is considered normal body temperature for humans. This is based on the guidelines from the American College of Critical Care Medicine and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, which state that normal body temperature is generally considered to be 37.0°C (98.6°F) 1.
Key Points to Consider
- Normal body temperature can vary by 0.5 to 1.0°C, according to circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle 1.
- A variety of biological processes and environmental forces can alter body temperature, but a reading of exactly 37°C indicates that the body temperature is within the normal range.
- It is essential to note that a temperature of 37°C is not a cause for concern, and any temperature above 38°C (100.4°F) would be considered a fever, which may indicate infection or inflammation 1.
Clinical Implications
- In clinical practice, it is crucial to consider the individual's overall health status, medical history, and other symptoms when evaluating body temperature.
- A substantial proportion of infected patients may not be febrile, and other symptoms such as hypotension, tachycardia, and confusion may mandate a comprehensive search for infection and aggressive empirical therapy 1.
From the Research
Definition of Normal Body Temperature
- The definition of normal body temperature as 37 degrees C is still considered the norm worldwide 2
- However, there is a widespread confusion of the evaluation of body temperature, especially in elderly individuals 2
Measurement of Body Temperature
- The calculated ranges (mean ± 2 standard deviations) for normal body temperature are:
- 36.32-37.76 (rectal)
- 35.76-37.52 (tympanic)
- 35.61-37.61 (urine)
- 35.73-37.41 (oral)
- 35.01-36.93 (axillary) 3
- Older adults (age ≥60) had lower temperature than younger adults (age <60) by 0.23°C, on average 3
Clinical Significance of Body Temperature
- Fever is a natural and almost universal mammalian response to infection 4
- The use of antipyretics to suppress fever during infection remains a controversial topic within the literature 5
- The evidence does not currently support routine antipyretic administration, and considering patients' comorbidities and symptoms of their underlying illness will promote safe, evidence-based and appropriate administration of antipyretics 5