Is 37.4°C a high fever or low fever?
Aug 22, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
High fever generally refers to hyperpyrexia, while low fever usually means mild fever. A temperature of 37.4°C is considered a mild fever. The normal axillary body temperature for healthy adults ranges from 36°C to 37°C. Clinically, a body temperature reaching or exceeding 37.3°C is defined as fever, so 37.4°C falls into the category of mild fever. If body temperature continues to rise accompanied by discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and take antipyretic medications as directed by a physician.
High fever generally refers to hyperpyrexia, while low fever usually means low-grade fever. Under normal circumstances, a body temperature of 37.4°C is considered a low-grade fever. The normal axillary temperature for healthy adults ranges from 36°C to 37°C. Clinically, a body temperature reaching or exceeding 37.3°C is defined as fever; therefore, 37.4°C falls within the range of low-grade fever. A detailed explanation is as follows:
Fever results from dysfunction of the body's thermoregulatory center and is categorized by severity into low-grade, moderate, high, and超高热 (hyperpyrexia). Low-grade fever refers to a body temperature between 37.3°C and 38°C, moderate fever between 38.1°C and 39°C, high fever between 39.1°C and 41°C, and hyperpyrexia refers to temperatures above 41°C.
The presence of low-grade fever may indicate an underlying infection, such as common respiratory tract infections or urinary system infections. In such cases, patients are advised to visit a hospital for evaluation and receive standardized treatment. At 37.4°C, antipyretic medications may not be immediately necessary. Instead, increasing fluid intake, getting adequate rest, applying lukewarm water to the limbs, or using cold towels for compresses can help reduce body temperature and effectively alleviate the effects of mild fever.
If body temperature continues to rise accompanied by discomfort, prompt medical attention is recommended. Follow medical advice regarding the use of antipyretic medications, such as ibuprofen tablets or acetaminophen tablets.
