Is 37.2°C considered a low-grade fever?

Generally speaking, low-grade fever refers to a mild fever, and 37.2°C does not fall into the category of low-grade fever. If you experience any discomfort, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Here is a detailed explanation:

The normal body temperature range in humans is between 36°C and 37°C, with slight variations depending on the measurement site. For example, the normal range for rectal temperature is approximately 36.5°C to 37.7°C, oral temperature is about 36.2°C to 37.2°C, and axillary (underarm) temperature ranges from 36.1°C to 37°C. Clinically, low-grade fever is defined as a body temperature exceeding the normal range but below 38°C. According to this definition, if 37.2°C is measured axillary, it is slightly above the normal range but has not yet reached the threshold for low-grade fever; if measured orally, it falls at the upper limit of the normal range and does not qualify as a low-grade fever; if measured rectally, it is entirely within the normal range.

However, body temperature can also fluctuate physiologically due to various factors. For instance, after exercise, after eating, during the ovulation period or pregnancy in women, body temperature may slightly increase, but generally does not fluctuate more than 1°C. Therefore, if your measured body temperature is 37.2°C without any other symptoms of discomfort, it might be a physiological increase in body temperature. It is advisable to retake the measurement when in a calm state to confirm.

In daily life, it is important to maintain good hygiene practices and pay attention to personal protection.