Is a child's body temperature of 37°C normal?
Disease description:
I am the parent of a child who is 5 years old, a boy. His temperature was measured at 37°C today. I'm not sure whether this falls within the normal range. Should any measures be taken in this case?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
37℃ falls within the normal body temperature range for children. Body temperature may slightly fluctuate depending on the time of day, activity level, and method of measurement; generally, temperatures between 36.1℃ and 37.2℃ are considered normal. A temperature of 37℃ measured under the armpit is closer to the upper limit of the standard range, indicating that the child's health condition remains within the normal range. Temporary increases in body temperature can occur due to changes in environmental temperature or after physical activity, but this does not necessarily indicate any disease risk. If there are no other symptoms of discomfort, such as coughing, runny nose, or lethargy, there is generally no cause for concern.
In daily life, it is recommended to monitor children's body temperature regularly, preferably when the child is at rest, to obtain more accurate readings. At the same time, watch for any additional abnormal symptoms, such as persistent fever, decreased appetite, or changes in behavior. If the temperature exceeds 37.5℃ or if the child shows clear signs of discomfort, it is advisable to seek timely medical consultation for professional evaluation. It is also important to focus on strengthening children's immunity through adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and appropriate outdoor activities.
