What to Do If Your Temperature Stays at 37°C

Most likely, no action is needed. However, occasionally, a persistent temperature around 37°C can indicate concerning causes worth knowing about.

First, an important point: a body temperature of 37°C is perfectly normal. The widely accepted standard of 36.6°C is merely an average within the healthy temperature range. For adults, the normal range is typically between 36.1°C and 37.2°C (some sources say up to 37.4°C). If your underarm thermometer reads within this range, you are probably fine. Oral, rectal, or ear temperatures may be slightly higher.

That said, there is a crucial nuance. It’s one thing if a temperature near 37°C is usual for you, and quite another if your normal is around 36.6°C but recently it has risen to 37°C or slightly above.

In the latter case, something unusual might be happening in your body. However, it’s not always serious. Temperatures fluctuating around 37°C can have both harmless and worrisome causes. Let’s start with the harmless ones.

When a 37°C Temperature Is Harmless

Your thermometer might consistently show about or just above 37°C in these situations.

1. Mid-Menstrual Cycle (For Women)

A temperature increase of 0.5–1°C is a key sign of ovulation and is completely normal.

2. Right After Exercise

Physical activity increases blood circulation and body heat. Even after sweating and showering, it takes about an hour for your body to cool down to normal temperature.

3. After Being Outdoors in Hot Weather

Heat exposure can cause overheating. Again, your body needs time to cool off.

4. In the Evening

Body temperature naturally fluctuates throughout the day. It’s lowest in the morning and peaks around 6 PM, usually 0.2–0.5°C higher than the morning reading.

5. When Experiencing Stress or Anxiety

Emotional stress can raise your temperature, a phenomenon known as psychogenic fever. It subsides once you calm down.

You can test this by taking 500 mg of paracetamol and resting in a comfortable environment. If your temperature doesn’t drop after 30 minutes, it’s likely psychogenic. In such cases, consider screening for anxiety or depression and consult a therapist if needed.

6. When Interacting with Someone You Like

Exciting social interactions can also cause a slight temperature increase.

7. When Starting New Medication

Certain drugs may initially cause a mild temperature rise, known as drug-induced fever.

When a 37°C Temperature Indicates Illness

Suppose you are not stressed, not ovulating, and measure your temperature only in the morning. A persistent body temperature at or above 37°C may signal an underlying health issue.

Common causes of low-grade fever (slightly elevated but below 38°C) include:

1. Respiratory Infection

Cold symptoms are usually obvious, but sometimes infections can be mild without clear signs like runny nose or sore throat. The body fights viruses, and a low-grade fever reflects this. If your temperature remains elevated for up to two weeks with mild nasal, throat, or ear discomfort, a viral respiratory infection is likely.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a temperature around 37°C may also indicate coronavirus infection.

Monitor symptoms carefully and consult a healthcare provider promptly. Typically, mild colds or COVID-19 cause a low-grade fever lasting no more than 14 days. If it persists longer, investigate other causes.

Management: Support recovery by staying hydrated, resting, and breathing fresh air.

2. Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

UTIs such as cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, or pyelonephritis usually cause burning or pain during urination. Sometimes symptoms are subtle, like changes in urine color or increased urge to urinate, especially in older adults or those who consume alcohol heavily.

Management: If you suspect a UTI, see a general practitioner or urologist promptly. Delaying treatment can lead to severe kidney infections or abscesses.

3. Tuberculosis

Early-stage tuberculosis may be symptomless except for fatigue and low-grade fever.

Management: If your temperature stays elevated beyond 14 days, consult a doctor for evaluation and possible referral to specialists.

4. Thyroid Issues

Thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis) can cause mild fever, fatigue, muscle pain, and tenderness in the neck area.

Management: Visit an endocrinologist and undergo recommended tests.

5. Hidden Autoimmune Diseases

Chronic autoimmune conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus sometimes cause low-grade fever due to inflammation. These diseases are rare and never present solely with fever.

Management: If unexplained persistent mild fever worries you, see a doctor for thorough testing.

6. Cancer

Low-grade fever is uncommon in cancer but can appear in lymphoma or leukemia, often accompanied by prolonged weakness, unexplained body pain, night sweats, and weight loss.

Management: If fever comes with these symptoms, seek immediate medical evaluation including blood and urine tests and further diagnostics.

7. Post-COVID-19 Effects

Most people recover from COVID-19 within weeks, but about 20% experience symptoms lasting at least 5 weeks, and 10% for 12 weeks or more — a condition called chronic COVID syndrome.

Fluctuating temperatures between normal and low-grade fever, along with fatigue, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, and concentration difficulties are common post-COVID issues.

Management: The cause is unclear, and treatment is symptomatic. Doctors may prescribe medications to manage heart rate, pain, or anxiety.

If mild fever is your only symptom and doesn’t cause discomfort, it may be best to wait and allow your body time to heal.

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