The nominal internal human body temperature is 37.0 °C (98.6 °F). However, this may vary for a variety of reasons without the need for concern. We decided to dedicate a post to a summary of conditions affecting normal human body temperature. That’s because a deviation could reflect a possible Covid-19 concern.
Factors Affecting the Normal Human Body Temperature Range
Normal human body temperature is a range, not an absolute number. Therefore anything between 97.7 and 99.5 °F (36.5 and 37.5 °C) is nominally healthy. However, we may be running a fever if we read between 99.5 and 100.9 °F (37.5 or 38.3 °C).
We used the words ‘nominally’ and ‘likely’ because we do not exist in a vacuum. Therefore our gender, age and general condition can affect our temperature. The time of day, whether we are awake or asleep, and our level of exertion all play a role. As do our emotions, and even the place on our body where we took the temperature.
Tiny Variations from Normal are Not Necessarily Concerns
Our body temperatures follow the circadian rhythm of our 24-hour clock, when they swing by about 0.9 °F (0.5 °C). We reach our coolest at around 4 a.m. when we may pull the blanket tighter in winter. Our normal human body temperature increases when we rise to greet the sun. It is highest between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m. as we are completing our daily tasks.
As we age, our systems slow and indeed the heat we generate. Thus a lower temperature in the fever range may be a greater concern than in the case of a fit young person. We know our body temperatures follow the patterns of the seasons.
However, there is no evidence global warming is increasing them. In fact, they have decreased slightly since the first industrial revolution. The general consensus is this is due to better overall health.
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Preview Image: The Human Circadian Rhythm
