Is a body temperature below 36°C considered a low-grade fever?

Feb 05, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Low fever refers to a mild fever. Generally, a low fever typically indicates a body temperature between 37.3°C and 38°C and does not fall within the category of hypothermia. If the body temperature remains persistently below 36°C, accompanied by other symptoms such as extreme fatigue, pale and cold skin, and slow heart rate, it may indicate hypothermia.

  Low fever refers to a mild fever. Generally, a body temperature below 36℃ is not considered as a low fever, but may instead indicate hypothermia. Detailed analysis is as follows:

  

  Mild fever usually refers to a body temperature between 37.3℃ and 38℃. Therefore, a temperature below 36℃ does not fall within the range of mild fever. In some cases, such as individual differences, environmental factors, or measurement errors, a healthy person's body temperature may be slightly below 36℃, but this does not indicate fever or illness.

  If the body temperature remains consistently below 36℃ and is accompanied by other symptoms, such as extreme fatigue, pale and cold skin, or slow heart rate, it may indicate hypothermia. Hypothermia can be caused by various factors, such as prolonged exposure to cold environments, metabolic disorders, or hypothyroidism. In such cases, abnormally low body temperature may adversely affect bodily functions and requires attention.

  In daily life, it is recommended to engage in moderate exercise, such as jogging, swimming, or cycling, to promote blood circulation, improve physical fitness, and reduce the risk of illness.