What is the normal body temperature for adults? Is 37°C considered a fever?

37 degrees usually refers to a body temperature of 37°C, while fever indicates elevated body temperature. Generally, normal body temperature in adults varies slightly depending on the measurement site, and a temperature of 37°C is typically not considered feverish. The details are as follows:

Body temperature is commonly measured at three sites: oral (mouth), rectal (rectum), and axillary (armpit). Therefore, normal body temperature in adults varies according to the measurement location. Normal oral temperature ranges between 36.3°C and 37.2°C. Normal rectal temperature is approximately 0.3°C to 0.5°C higher than oral temperature, while normal axillary temperature ranges from 36.1°C to 37°C. Regardless of the measurement site, if the temperature falls within the normal range, it generally indicates that the individual does not have a fever.

A body temperature of 37°C lies within the normal range and does not indicate fever. Therefore, individuals typically do not experience symptoms such as muscle aches or fatigue. However, if significant symptoms such as general weakness, drowsiness, or muscle pain are present, this may suggest an error in temperature measurement. It is recommended to retake the temperature or use a different thermometer for verification.