Is 37.5°C considered a fever in infants, and how can it be reduced?

Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Generally, if measured orally or under the armpit, a temperature of 37.5°C in infants is considered fever. However, if measured rectally, it is not considered fever. If fever is confirmed, measures such as maintaining a comfortable indoor environment, appropriate clothing, wiping the body with lukewarm water, proper foot soaking, and administering medication can be used to reduce body temperature. Specific details are as follows:

1. Is it considered fever?

1. Yes

There are three methods for measuring infant body temperature: oral, axillary (under the armpit), and rectal. If oral or axillary measurement is used, a temperature of 37.5°C in an infant is generally considered fever. Under normal circumstances, the normal oral temperature ranges from 36.2°C to 37.3°C, while the normal axillary temperature ranges from 36.0°C to 37.0°C. Since 37.5°C exceeds these normal ranges, it falls within the category of fever.

2. No

If the temperature is measured rectally, the normal range is 36.5°C to 37.5°C. In this case, an infant's temperature of exactly 37.5°C is at the upper limit of normal and does not fall into the fever category, so there is no need for concern.

2. Methods to reduce fever

1. Maintain a suitable indoor environment

Ensure the room temperature is comfortable, avoiding excessive heat or cold. Keep the room well-ventilated by opening windows or using fans and other ventilation aids.

2. Dress appropriately

Select loose, breathable cotton clothing and avoid layering too much, which helps the infant dissipate heat more effectively. Adjust clothing according to room temperature and the infant’s comfort level.

3. Wipe the body with lukewarm water

Infants have faster metabolic rates and naturally higher body temperatures than adults. If an infant's axillary temperature is 37.5°C—indicating low-grade fever—wiping the forehead, armpits, groin, and other areas with lukewarm water can effectively help cool the body.

4. Foot soaking

This can promote blood circulation, relieve discomfort, and help lower body temperature. Use a foot basin or small bucket filled two-thirds full with water at a temperature slightly above 37°C to 40°C, adjusted to what the infant can comfortably tolerate. While soaking, gently massage the infant’s feet to dilate blood vessels and reduce discomfort caused by fever.

5. Medication

If an infant has a temperature of 37.5°C, take multiple temperature readings. If the temperature fluctuates or rises, fever-reducing medication may be used under a doctor’s guidance when necessary, such as ibuprofen granules or pediatric paracetamol-phenylephrine granules, which can effectively reduce fever.

In addition, if physical cooling methods and medications do not improve the condition and the infant continues to have persistent low-grade fever, prompt medical evaluation is necessary to avoid delaying treatment.