In a thought-provoking TikTok video, a woman’s question about her low-grade fever ignited a debate over the relevance of 98.6°F as the norm for body temperature. She noted that modern averages seem to hover around 97.9°F, prompting her to wonder if our understanding of fever thresholds needs a refresh, especially considering personal differences; her usual temperature is 97.6°F, but she felt unwell despite a 99.1°F reading.
Historical context reveals that 98.6°F originated from a mid-19th-century study conducted by German physician Dr. Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich, who measured temperatures from 25,000 individuals. Stanford’s Dr. Julie Parsonnet indicates that the lifestyles and health circumstances of people then were vastly different from today. Life expectancy was much shorter and medical care rare, influencing the average body temperature measurements.
Further research conducted by Dr. Parsonnet analysed over 677,000 temperature readings across diverse popluations over 160 years, revealing a notable decline in average body temperatures. Her work asserts that our typical temperature is more accurately around 97.9°F, supported by recent studies, as temperature fluctuation can be influenced by sex, age, and time of day.
With a broader array of normal temperatures, identifying illness solely by temperature proves tricky. A fever is generally defined as a temperature over 100°F; however, this figure may not apply universally. Dr. Heidi Zapata highlights the value of knowing one’s personal health baseline, stating that high temperatures cannot alone diagnose sickness.
Moreover, significant symptoms may exist without elevated temperatures, particularly in older adults. Wunderlich himself noted that abnormal temperatures often indicate health issues, advising attention to overall health status. In these times of high flu-related hospitalisations, it’s recommended to stay home when feeling unwell, seek vaccination, and uphold good health practices to mitigate the spread of illnesses.
A woman’s TikTok video sparked a debate on whether the traditional body temperature norm of 98.6°F is outdated, with modern averages suggesting it is closer to 97.9°F. Historical research from the mid-19th century, combined with recent studies, show a decline in average body temperature. Recognising individual baselines and symptoms is crucial in determining health, especially amidst flu season.
The debate sparked by the TikTok user challenges the traditional benchmark of 98.6°F for fever by highlighting how our current average body temperature appears lower. Historical context and modern studies support this shift, acknowledging the need for personalised health assessments. As the prevalence of respiratory illnesses rises, understanding individual temperature ranges and symptoms becomes crucial for appropriate health responses.
Original Source: www.usatoday.com
