Is 37.4°C considered a fever?
Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Under normal circumstances, whether 37.4°C constitutes a fever depends on the specific measurement site and individual circumstances. Details are as follows:
The normal oral temperature range for healthy individuals is 36.3–37.2°C, the normal axillary (underarm) temperature range is 36.0–37.0°C, and the normal rectal temperature range is 36.5–37.7°C. These values may vary slightly between individuals. If the temperature measured orally or under the arm is 37.4°C, this is considered a fever. Patients can help reduce the fever by drinking more water, getting adequate rest, and applying cooling methods such as cold patches, fever-reducing stickers, or cool towels to the forehead. If fever symptoms persist or worsen, medications such as感冒清热颗粒 (Cold and Heat-Clearing Granules) or 羚羊角颗粒 (Antelope Horn Granules) may be used under a doctor's guidance. However, if the rectal temperature is 37.4°C, this is within the normal range and generally does not require treatment.
In summary, if patients experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical attention at a hospital to prevent serious complications.