Is it normal to have a body temperature of 34.8 - 35ºC?
Normal body temperature is said to be exactly 37ºC. Although it is true that normal body temperature is highly controlled, it can also vary by a couple of degrees, depending on the individual, the time of day, the conditions that they are in, etc. Body temperature also varies depending on the way you take the measurement (axillary, oral or rectal). The same body temperature can be completely normal for one person and can be quite dangerous for another. In this article we explain if having a body temperature of 34.8 - 35 degrees Celsius is normal or not.
Body temperature in adults
Having a body temperature of 34.8 - 35ºC is low and not considered normal. If you have this temperature, you are likely suffering from hypothermia and you should quickly see your doctor or follow the necessary recommendations to raise your body temperature.
Normal human body temperature in adults varies between 36.5 - 37.5ºC or slightly higher. General rules:
- Hypothermia, when your temperature is 35.9ºC or lower.
- Feverishness, when your temperature is between 37.8 - 37.9ºC.
- Hyperthermia or fever, when your temperature is 38ºC or higher.
Body temperature in children
A body temperature of 34.8 - 35ºC in children can also be very dangerous and you should take them quickly to see their doctor or follow the necessary recommendations to raise their body temperature. Children should have a minimum temperature of 36 degrees. In the case of babies, you can learn how to take a baby's temperature here.
Axillary temperature
Axillary temperature, or temperature taken under the armpit, is usually 0,5 degrees lower than oral temperature. An axillary temperature (taken under the armpit) of 34.8 -35ºC normally indicates an oral temperature of about 35-35.5ºC, which is still worrying and you should seek medical attention or take measures to warm up the body. In few cases, some children can have an axillary temperature of under 36 degrees Celsius which can be classed as normal for them and is referred to as 'physiological hypothermia'.
Oral temperature
An oral temperature of 34.8 -35ºC is extremely worrying and you should seek urgent medical attention or follow the necessary recommendations to raise their body temperature. Measuring oral temperature is recommended for all patients except in those who are unconscious, suffering mental confusion, seizures, have any conditions affecting the nose, mouth or throat, and children under 6 years old.
Rectal temperature
A rectal temperature of 34.8 - 35ºC is extremely worrying and you should seek urgent medical or follow the necessary recommendations to raise their body temperature. This reading tends to be 0.5 - 0.7°C higher than an oral reading. Measuring rectal temperature is recommended for children under 6 years old.
Influences on body temperature
There are several factors that affect body temperature making it higher or lower in terms of tenths of a degree but a body temperature lower than 35 degrees is quite alarming. These can be your body shape, especially if you are overweight, age, affecting the elderly and those who are confined to bed rest due to illness. Infants are also prone to hypothermia, as are people with impared decision making skills due to mental illness or alcohol intoxication. Diabetes is another condition that can cause hypothermia.
This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.
If you want to read similar articles to Is it normal to have a body temperature of 34.8 - 35ºC?, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.
Tips
- Axillary temperature should be taken by holding a thermometer in the armpit for a period of approximately 4 (four) minutes.
