Is a body temperature of 35.5°C considered a low-grade fever?
Generally speaking, a low-grade fever refers to a mild fever. A body temperature of 35.5°C is not considered a low-grade fever, but rather subnormal body temperature. The detailed explanation is as follows:
The normal body temperature for most people ranges between 36°C and 37°C. A low-grade fever refers to a temperature higher than the normal range but below 38°C. According to the classification of fever, low-grade fever is specifically defined as a temperature between 37.3°C and 38°C.
A body temperature of 35.5°C, indicating hypothermia, may be caused by various factors. Environmental factors may play a significant role—for example, prolonged exposure to cold environments can lead to excessive heat loss and consequently lower body temperature. Measurement errors could also result in a reading of 35.5°C. For instance, if the thermometer is not properly calibrated or if the measurement technique is incorrect, the result may be inaccurate. When using a mercury thermometer to measure axillary (underarm) temperature, insufficient clamping of the arm or too short a measurement time may lead to a falsely low reading.
Maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, paying attention to warmth preservation, and ensuring a balanced diet can help support normal body temperature regulation.