The debate surrounding the conventional body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit has been reignited, with suggestions that this figure may no longer be accurate. A woman, feeling unwell and lying down, raised this question on TikTok. Citing current research indicating that the average body temperature today is closer to 97.9 degrees, she pondered, “Should our definition of a fever be adjusted accordingly? My normal body temperature is 97.6, yet I feel terrible with a temperature of only 99.1.”
Her video, posted in late January, quickly garnered over 400,000 views and 1,600 comments, with many users sharing that their temperatures also tend to be lower than the traditional 98.6 degrees. So, why do we associate 98.6 degrees with good health, and when do we truly become sick?
This question holds significant importance, particularly during the winter season when respiratory illnesses like the flu, COVID-19, and common colds are prevalent. But where did the 98.6 figure originate?
The benchmark of 98.6 degrees stemmed from a study conducted in the mid-19th century by a German physician named Dr. Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich. He analyzed millions of temperature readings from 25,000 individuals in Leipzig, comparing variations between genders, ages, and times of day. Dr. Julie Parsonnet, an epidemiologist at Stanford Medicine, noted that while Wunderlich’s research was thorough, it reflected the health conditions of people living 170 years ago. Life expectancy was much lower then, and access to healthcare and proper living standards was limited, resulting in higher incidences of illness and mortality from various diseases.
Parsonnet’s subsequent research on body temperatures spanning nearly 160 years in the US revealed a decline in average body temperature over time. Numerous other studies have also reported lower temperatures compared to the 19th-century findings. Today, the consensus is that the “normal” body temperature is closer to 97.9 degrees.
Factors such as gender, age, height, weight, and time of day influence individual body temperatures. Parsonnet has developed a personalized calculator to determine one’s expected body temperature based on these variables.
In light of the varied temperature range among individuals, recognizing when one is sick can be challenging. It’s important to monitor any significant deviations from one’s normal temperature and seek medical attention if necessary.
Determining when someone is ill based solely on body temperature can be tricky. Typically, a temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit is considered a fever, but this benchmark may not apply universally. “Knowing yourself is crucial,” advised Dr. Heidi Zapata, an infectious disease specialist at Yale School of Medicine with expertise in the immune system. “If you sense something is amiss, it’s important to investigate further. Consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying issue.” Zapata emphasized that individuals can be seriously unwell without exhibiting a high temperature. For instance, older individuals often do not exhibit elevated temperatures even when they are sick. Nevertheless, the presence of a fever generally indicates an infection. As noted by Wunderlich in 1871, “A normal body temperature does not necessarily equate to good health; however, deviations from the normal temperature range suggest underlying health issues.” It is essential for individuals to monitor a range of symptoms, particularly given the surge in flu-related hospitalizations. Moreover, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that if someone feels unwell, they should stay at home. It is crucial to stay current with vaccinations, practice good hygiene, enhance indoor air quality, and seek medical attention to reduce the risk of severe complications. When leaving home, individuals should consider testing for illness, wear an appropriate mask like an N95, and maintain social distance. This informative piece was originally published on USA TODAY, exploring the question: Is the average body temperature really 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit?
