Your body temperature is dependent upon your how well your body can generate and rid itself of heat. Most of the time, your body is extremely good at keeping this temperature within a normal, safe range no matter how the temperature is varying outside of your body.
Your body does its job to keep your body temperature around 37.4 Celsius. When your body is too hot, it will cause the blood vessels to dilate so that they can carry more heat throughout your body. On the other hand, if your body is too cold it will contract your blood vessels to conserve the heat sent throughout your body. When your body is too cold you will start involuntarily shivering causing the muscles to burn energy and create heat for your body. However, most of the time your body does not need to do this.
Converting 37.4 Celsius to Fahrenheit to understand both temperature measurements and know the normal temperature to better take care of yourself.
Celsius and Fahrenheit
What Is Celsius and Fahrenheit?
The calibration of thermometers is done in degrees Celsius (°C) or degrees Fahrenheit (°F). The measurement is dependent on the region. Most regions use Celsius, however some such as the U.S.A. use Fahrenheit.
Celsius to Fahrenheit Formula
When you need to answer a conversion question such as “what is 37.4°C in Fahrenheit," then the following formula can be used. It will convert any Celsius temperature to Fahrenheit temperature.
The temperature T in degrees Fahrenheit (°F) is equal to the temperature T in degrees Celsius (°C) times 9/5 plus 32:
T (°F) = T (°C) × 9/5 + 32
Or
T (°F) = T(°C) × 1.8 + 32
Examples
37.4 Celsius to Fahrenheit: T (°F) = 37.4° C × 9/5 + 32 = 99.32 °F
37.1 Celsius to Fahrenheit: T (°F) = 37.1° C × 9/5 + 32 = 98.78 °F
What Is the Normal Body Temperature?
Normal body temperature is actually a range; the common oral temperature of 37°C/98.6°F is simply an average of this range. The average body temperature fluctuates 0.6°C/ 1°F above or below this average.
Not only is this fluctuation apparent among people, it is also apparent in each individual throughout the day. Your body temperature may be lower in the morning or at night while you are sleeping because you are resting. On the other hand, it may be higher during the day depending on your activity level.
Other changes within your body such as hormone fluctuations during ovulation and illnesses may change your body temperature as well.
Reading a temperature within an ear or in the anus may be higher than one in the mouth. A temperature taken in the armpit may be even lower. The temperature is dependent on the airflow to the location because airflow will cool off the body.
When Body Temperature Is Not Normal
When the oral temperature of an adult is over 38°C/100.4°F or the rectal or ear temperature of an adult is over 38.3°C/101°F, it is considered a fever.
A child has a fever when their rectal temperature is 38°C/100.4°F or their armpit temperature is 37.4°C/99.3°F or higher.
What causes us to get fevers?
Fevers, or high body temperatures, occur when the body is trying to fight off an infection. The immune system heats up the body so that the viruses and the bacteria are unable to survive.
Most of the time children can contract mild/low grade fevers that do not reach above 40°C/104°F without feeling sick. When this happens there is not any need for treatment; however if the fever is accompanied by discomfort then treatments are needed.
How to Take Body Temperature
Oral Temperature
This is the most common way people take body temperature. It is important that the person is able to breathe through their nose. If the nose is stuffy, take the body temperature in the rectum, ear, or armpit.
Place the thermometer under the center of the tongue. Then, close the lips tightly around the thermometer.
Leave the thermometer in for the indicated amount of time. You may have to use a watch to time it or some will give off a series of beeps to indicate that time is up.
Take out the thermometer and read it.
Before you put it away, wash it off with cool soapy water.
Rectal Temperature
A rectal reading will give you the most accurate body temperature. Most of the time this is the best methods for babies, small children, and other people who cannot correctly hold the thermometer in their mouth. It is also best to use this method when it is vital that you have an accurate reading.
Apply a lubricant such as petroleum jelly on the bulb of the thermometer before inserting.
Turn small children and babies onto their stomachs in your lap or on a flat surface. Ensure that there are not any distractions so that they do not move around.
While using one hand to spread the buttocks, use the other to insert the thermometer about 1.25cm/0.5in into the anus. Do not force it in because you can cause injury. Hold the thermometer in place with two fingers near the anal opening and use the other hand to hold the buttocks together to help stabilize the thermometer.
Leave the thermometer in for the indicated amount of time. You may have to use a watch to time it or some will give off a series of beeps to indicate that time is up.
Take out the thermometer so that you can get the reading.
Use cool, soapy water to clean it before you put it away.
Keep rectal and oral thermometers separate.
Armpit (Axillary) Temperature
An armpit temperature is the least accurate method; however it is a good way to take a temperature if you are not able to use the other methods.
Place the bulb of the thermometer into the center of the armpit by lifting the arm.
Once the thermometer is in place, hold the arm against the body to keep the thermometer in place.
Hold the thermometer in place for the directed amount of time.
Read the temperature on the thermometer. It may be 0.6°C/ 1°F lower than the body’s actual temperature. It is a good rule of thumb to add an extra degree to the reading.
Use cool, soapy water to clean the thermometer before you put it away.
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