Is a temperature of 36.9°C considered a low-grade fever in children?
Dec 02, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ma Yan
Introduction
The correct way to state "a child with 36.9 degrees" is "a child with 36.9°C." The accurate term for "low fever" is "low-grade fever," but a temperature of 36.9°C in a child does not qualify as low-grade fever. A reading of 36.9°C in children usually refers to an axillary (underarm) temperature. The normal axillary temperature range for children is between 36°C and 37.2°C. Therefore, a temperature of 36.9°C falls within the normal range and is not considered a low-grade fever; parents need not be overly concerned.
A body temperature of 36.9 degrees in a child should correctly be expressed as 36.9°C. The accurate term for "low fever" is actually "low-grade fever," and a temperature of 36.9°C in a child does not qualify as low-grade fever.
A reading of 36.9°C in children usually refers to an axillary (underarm) temperature. The normal axillary temperature range is between 36°C and 37.2°C. Therefore, a temperature of 36.9°C falls within the normal range and is not considered low-grade fever; parents need not be overly concerned. In clinical terms, a body temperature exceeding 37.3°C is defined as fever. A temperature between 37.3°C and 38°C is classified as low-grade fever, between 38.1°C and 39°C as moderate fever, between 39.1°C and 41°C as high fever, and above 41°C as hyperpyrexia (extremely high fever).
If a child's temperature exceeds 37.3°C but remains below 38.5°C, physical cooling methods can be used. Parents may wipe the child’s palms, soles, armpits, and other areas with a damp towel. If the child's temperature exceeds 38.5°C, fever-reducing medications such as ibuprofen suspension or acetaminophen (paracetamol) suspension drops may be administered according to medical advice.
