Is 37.4 a fever for adults?

It’s that time of year again – flu season, where everyone is coughing and sneezing all over the place like it’s nobody’s business. As the weather gets colder, people are bundling up and doing their best to stay healthy. But what happens when you start feeling under the weather? How do you know if you have a fever or not? Specifically, is 37.4 degrees Celsius considered a fever for adults?

Defining a Fever

Before we dive into answering this question, let’s define what a fever actually is. According to Mayo Clinic,“a fever is usually defined as an oral temperature above 37C (98.6F) or a rectal temperature above 38C (100F).” So yes folks – 37.4 falls within the range!

The Importance of Knowing Your Temperature

Knowing whether or not you have a fever can be very important in identifying potential underlying medical conditions, such as COVID-19 for example! Additionally, having this knowledge can help determine how to treat your symptoms.

So now that we’ve established that 37.4 degrees Celsius IS considered to be febrile in adults, let’s take some time to explore why exactly this occurs!

What Causes Fevers Anyway?

There are numerous reasons why someone may experience an increase in body temperature; let me break down some possibilities:

Infections Can Cause Fevers

In response to bacteria and viruses entering our bodies and attempting to wreak havoc on our immune systems/ Or bodies go “RED ALERT”, which causes them so ramp up their defenses by increasing temperatures.

Medications As A Reason Of Fevers

Some medications have side effects resulting in increased internal temperature known as drug-induced hyperthermia.

Heat Stroke Can Cause Elevated Temperatures

Heat stroke develops when too much heat overwhelms your body’s ability to regulate your temperature. When heat stroke occurs, your internal body temperatures can exceed 104 °F (40 °C), resulting in a medical emergency.

It’s important to first define what YOUR normal temperature range actually is! Everyone has slightly different ‘normal ranges’. You should take advantage of our modern technologies such as using thermometers to determine these limits so that when you do have a fever it is clear that THIS isn’t normal for you!

In general:

1) Rest: Try and get plenty of rest/stay home if possible
2) Stay/Sleep Hydrated
3) Take Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen :
Both medications will help reduce the feverish feelings (consult with your doc or pharmacist on this)

That being said, one shouldn’t be feeling like Typhoid Mary after taking either medication. If your symptoms persist look into seeking more qualified healthcare support!

How to Monitor Your Temperature Accurately

Take some time understanding how/when they take their temperature – this has an impact on overall accuracy. In addition let’s also cover best practices for monitoring fevers:

  • Use rectal thermometer measurements for toddlers/babies

  • The ears are terrific places to put thermometers because infrared radiation emerging there is readily measured

  • For adults oral measurement provided the most convenience!

For all ages, accurate mercury stick solutions remain superior but don’t forget about digital options too!.

When to Contact Healthcare Provider

Although a mild fever might not always require immediate attention from health professionals,it still important never ignore any symptoms at large dependant on severity!. Here are some situations where we recommend contacting professional help stand-out:

  • A headache accompanies high-grade Fever(s)

  • Inability To Drink / eat

  • Significant Shortness of Breath

Additionally never wait too long before contacting healthcare services; depending on potential vector of transmission (aka like COVID-19) you my want to get tested/treated in a dedicated facility.

Battling Viruses

Now that we’ve discussed the technicalities, let’s also focus on what YOU can do to help with your symptoms – depending on the problem solutions may vary.. Here are some tips:

Increase Your Fluid Intake

When your body is under attack by viruses it pays important dividends to have sufficient water and electrolyte intake. Drinking more clear fluids …with moderate amounts of salt/sugar will keep you hydrated! That might include extra water, sports drinks or rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte.

Manage Symptoms With Over-The-Counter Medications

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen/paracetamol/ibuprofen (SO MANY OPTIONS) could relieve fever/chills/body aches when life is rough. Other remedies for symptom management should be considered if medication isn’t an option:

1) A saline nasal spray soothes congestion

2) Mentholated topicals work fantastically with coughs

3) Sleep Therapy : at-home DYI humidifier devices provide a similar results!

Always consult doctor first before start down this route though.

Get Proper Rest & Exercise When Possible

Even simple groups walks/stretching/rest time can non-pharmacologically improve fatigue levels, while doing some light exercise during (or after overcoming!) illness improves overall function!

So there you have it folks – YES, according Mayo Clinic guidelines, a fever generally starts above 37C degrees Celsius Body Temperature Range , involving many physiological and symptomatic causes behind its origin!. Even though fevers are uncomfortable; [provide comfort care ] including hydration with electrolyte-rich fluids and periodic use of ibuprofen/etc., often provides effective relief rather than just suffering through those rough times!

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