For several years now, I’ve been on a bit of a rant regarding the digital thermometers in our household. My kids treat them like toys, often pulling one from the medicine cabinet and using it in the most bizarre ways—like trying to stick it up their noses or placing it near the radiator to artificially raise their temperature. It’s maddening! I’ve gone through so many thermometers because they always seem inaccurate. “There’s no way I’m just 97.3 degrees,” I complain after checking my temperature. “This thing must be broken… again.”
But it turns out I might be the one who’s misinformed. Recent research indicates that the average human body temperature has actually dropped over the last couple of centuries. That classic 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit we all learned about? It’s outdated. In fact, my usual reading of 97.3 could very well be spot on, as the average temperature now hovers around 97.5 degrees.
Research Insights
Julie Larkins, MD, a researcher involved in the study, shared in a press release, “The concept that our normal body temperature is 98.6 is simply incorrect.” The research was published in eLife, where Larkins and her colleagues examined body temperature data dating back to the 1800s. This number was first popularized by German physician Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich in 1868, but modern science is starting to challenge its validity.
Their analysis spanned over two centuries, utilizing data from various sources, including medical records of Civil War veterans and contemporary health surveys. They determined that the average body temperature has declined approximately 0.03 degrees every decade for the last 157 years. How fascinating is that?
Why the Change?
So, why is this change occurring? The researchers are unsure but theorize that our modern lifestyle may be a factor. Larkins noted, “Physiologically, we’ve evolved over time.” She pointed out that we now control our living environments better than before, which could influence our body temperature.
“The changes in our living environment—including indoor temperatures and our interactions with microbes—have impacted our physiology,” Larkins explained. Additionally, advancements in medicine and improved public health may contribute to this trend.
Dr. Mark Harris, a family medicine specialist, echoed Larkins’ sentiments, suggesting that our improved lifestyle choices are leading to lower body temperatures. “With the focus on exercise and nutrition, our bodies don’t have to work as hard to maintain a steady temperature,” he said.
What This Means for Fevers
Now, what does this mean for fevers? Should we adjust how we define them? This is certainly a critical question for parents, especially when kids frequently come down with colds and other viruses. Harris reassured us that it’s best to stick with the traditional fever threshold of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit and up for now, explaining, “A few decimal points won’t drastically change things.”
Regardless of the new findings, it’s important to remember that everyone has their own baseline temperature. It’s helpful for parents to know what’s normal for their children so they can better assess any health issues. If you’re curious about your child’s temperature in light of this research, consulting a healthcare professional is always a good idea.
So, maybe instead of fretting over our seemingly faulty thermometers, we should embrace the idea that a reading in the 97 range could just be the new normal. Cheers to being a little cooler—and perhaps a bit healthier!
Further Reading
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Conclusion
In summary, recent studies suggest that the average human body temperature has decreased over the last 200 years, challenging the longstanding belief of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit as the standard. Researchers attribute this decline to changes in lifestyle, improved health conditions, and environmental factors. It’s essential for parents to understand their child’s individual temperature baseline, especially when assessing fevers.