Is it okay to take fever-reducing medication at a body temperature of 37.6℃?

Feb 24, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Bai Hongmei
Introduction
The normal human body temperature typically ranges between 36℃ and 37℃. A temperature of 37.6℃ falls within the low-grade fever range. Usually, antipyretic medications are recommended when the body temperature reaches 38.5℃. If a patient's temperature is 37.6℃, indicating only a slight elevation with no other significant discomfort, symptoms can be relieved through physical cooling measures such as drinking more water and ensuring adequate rest.

Generally speaking, whether a body temperature of 37.6°C warrants taking antipyretic medication should be determined based on specific circumstances. If there are no other discomfort symptoms, it may be better not to take medicine initially. However, if there are severe discomfort symptoms, medication may be considered. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice. Detailed analysis is as follows:

The normal body temperature in humans typically ranges between 36°C and 37°C. A temperature of 37.6°C falls within the range of low-grade fever. If the temperature is only slightly elevated without other significant discomfort symptoms, the symptoms can usually be relieved through physical cooling measures such as drinking more water, ensuring adequate rest, or applying warm towels to areas such as the palms, soles, armpits, and groin. At the same time, monitoring the temperature changes is sufficient, and taking antipyretic drugs may not be necessary.

If a patient experiences severe discomfort symptoms such as headache, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting alongside a temperature of 37.6°C, and these symptoms are difficult to tolerate and interfere with daily life and work, antipyretic medications such as ibuprofen capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or acetaminophen tablets may be taken under a doctor's guidance. It is important to follow medical advice for appropriate medication use and avoid self-medicating to prevent unnecessary harm to the body.

Maintaining good lifestyle habits, such as adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and moderate exercise, can help enhance the body's resistance.