Is 37.4 degrees a fever in an adult?
Fever is a common symptom that can be caused by many different reasons, such as infections, inflammations or other diseases. In adults, the range of normal body temperature is usually around 36.1–37.2 degrees. But what does it mean if the body temperature rises to 37.4 degrees? Is it a fever in an adult?
What is fever?
Fever is usually defined as an increase in body temperature above the normal range. In general, a fever starts when the body temperature rises above 38 degrees. This is because the body responds to an infection or other stimulus by raising the temperature, which helps fight pathogens.
37.4 degrees: Fever or not?
37.4 degrees is not usually considered a fever in an adult. It’s a little higher than normal, but not yet in the fever range. This increase in temperature can be caused by many different factors, such as:
- Physical activity
- Stress
- Ambient temperature
- Eating or drinking
If the body temperature remains constantly slightly elevated, but does not rise above 38 degrees, it is called a subfebrile temperature. This can be a sign of a mild infection or other health problem, but it is not an actual fever.
When to worry?
Although 37.4 degrees is not a fever, it is important to monitor other symptoms and the development of body temperature. If the temperature rises above 38 degrees or if it is accompanied by other symptoms, such as:
- Severe headache
- Stomachache
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Strong fatigue
you should contact a healthcare professional.
Summary
37.4 degrees is not usually considered a fever in an adult, but it can be a sign of a mild infection or other health problem. It is important to monitor body temperature and other symptoms, and if necessary seek medical attention. You can find more information about fever and its treatment, for example, at Terveyskirjasto.
Remember that everyone’s body is unique, and what is normal for one may not be for another. If in doubt, it is always best to consult a healthcare professional.
