On a cold winter morning, Aunt Zhang picked up the electronic thermometer at home for a routine temperature measurement as usual. When the number on the screen jumped to 371 At 1 o'clock, her brow furrowed, and a trace of unease welled up in her heart"Do I have a fever? Should I take some fever-reducing medicine, or do I need to go to the hospital? "This is not uncommon in our lives. Many people immediately assume that they have a fever as soon as they find that their body temperature exceeds 37, and a series of self-improvement measures or a stomach full of doubts and anxieties. But in reality, does a body temperature above 37 really mean that you have a fever? What misconceptions about fever do we need to correct in time? 
Unraveling the Truth About Fever Fever, medically known as fever, is often understood as a physiological state in which the body temperature exceeds the normal value. But before we dive in, it's important to be clear: body temperature is not static. It is influenced by a variety of factors, including the time of day (body temperature in the morning is usually lower than in the evening), activity level, and where it is measured. Therefore, when we talk about fever, we mean a body temperature of more than 38 (1004°F) or 375℃（99.5°F). The two-sided nature of fever is widely considered to be a defense mechanism of the body against pathogen invasion. When this physiological response is activated, it means that our immune system is actively fighting the infection. Raising body temperature can increase the temperature of the body's internal environment, which inhibits the growth and reproduction of certain bacteria and viruses. In addition, fever activates and enhances the efficiency of immune cells, providing additional protection to the body. However, fever is not always a direct sign of illness. Sometimes, it can be the body's response to certain medications or disease conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or inflammation. Therefore, the assessment of fever should not only focus on the number of body temperatures, but also consider other associated symptoms and underlying health problems. Body temperature measurement: accuracy and misunderstandingsThe measurement method of body temperature also has its scientific nature. Oral, axillary, and rectal measurements have their own characteristics, and rectal measurements are generally considered to be the most accurate, especially for infants and young children. However, due to invasiveness and inconvenience, most** and families tend to use oral or underarm measurements. Each method has its normal range, and it is important to use consistent methods for comparison and monitoring. Myth 1: A slight increase in body temperature means a fever? Many people equate a body temperature of more than 37 with a fever, which is a widespread misconception. In fact, body temperature can fluctuate due to a variety of non-disease factors, such as ambient temperature, exercise, emotional state, and even different times of the day. It is generally accepted in medicine that the body temperature measured by the mouth is more than 372 to 375 (morning) and 377 to 38 (night) before it may be considered a mild fever. This means that a slight increase in body temperature is not necessarily indicative of disease. Extended discussion: Normal fluctuations in body temperature: A brief explanation of the natural fluctuations in body temperature throughout the day and the factors that affect them, supported by scientific data, to help readers understand when changes in body temperature need to be concerned. Individual differences: Emphasize that there are differences in the range of normal body temperature for different people, and some people are born with a low or high body temperature, which is not an anomaly. 
Myth 2: Do you need medicine to cool down when you have a fever? Another common misconception is that any degree of fever requires immediate medical intervention to cool down. Fever is actually a natural defense mechanism of the body against pathogens, and mild to moderate fever (body temperature between 38 and 39) can strengthen the function of the immune system and help the body fight infection. In most cases, if the patient is comfortable and has no other serious symptoms, it is feasible not to rush to use fever-reducing medications. Extended discussion: Physiological Significance of Fever: Elaborating on the role of fever in the body's resistance to disease, including how it promotes the function of immune cells. Non-pharmacological cooling methods: Describe appropriate physical cooling methods, such as using warm water scrubs, maintaining comfortable room temperatures, and when to use them. Fever is often misunderstood as a sign of a serious deterioration in the physical condition, but in reality, it is one of the body's natural mechanisms to fight infection. Proper management of fever will not only relieve discomfort but also facilitate the recovery process. Here are a few key steps to scientifically deal with fever:1Assess symptoms: First, it is important to distinguish whether the fever is mild or requires medical intervention. If the fever is accompanied by persistent high temperatures (e.g., a temperature of more than 39.)4 or a significant increase in the child's body temperature), or if symptoms such as headache, persistent vomiting, rash, difficulty breathing, etc., should seek medical help immediately. 2.Home care advice: Stay hydrated: Your body loses more fluid when you have a fever, so it's important to stay hydrated. Proper rest: Adequate rest can help the body focus its energy to fight infection. Adjust the environment: Keep the room temperature comfortable, avoid excessive heat or cold, and use light bedding. 3.Non-pharmacological cooling methods: If fever causes discomfort, there are a number of non-pharmacological methods that can be used to relieve it: Physical cooling: such as wiping the body with warm water to help the body dissipate heat. Dress appropriately: Wear light, breathable clothing and avoid excessive warmth. 4.Medications**: It is advisable to consult a doctor before using any fever-reducing medications, especially for children. Over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can be used to relieve symptoms, but dosage guidelines should be strictly followed. 
5.When to seek medical help: In addition to the above symptoms, patients should also seek professional medical advice if the fever persists for more than 3 days, or if the patient has a chronic health condition such as heart disease, abnormal glucose metabolism, or immune system problems.