posted
I am on IV Zithromax and recently stopped rifampin.
My body temperature is normally around 97 but lately it's been around 96.5-96.8. I've read that this is very common with Lyme and plan on letting my Dr know this week.
My question is regarding fevers. Since generally we have low body temperatures is a temperature of 99 considered a fever?
I know it is important to watch for infection and it is my first PICC line but I don't want to overreact and call my nurse for nothing. Can a temperature of 99 just be a herx?
Thank you in advance.
Posts: 28 | From New Jersey | Registered: Mar 2014
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dbpei
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 33574
posted
I usually have very low body temps in the same range you are describing. When I went to an urgent care center after an injury last year and they took my temp,it registered 99.5.
They considered it a low grade fever at the time. And that was without knowing about my normal low range.
I would say if your temp has been in the low range you describe and now it is 99, that it could likely be a fever. (it could also be herxing - but I would let my nurse know the details). I hope this helps. good luck!
Posts: 2387 | From New England | Registered: Aug 2011
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Ellen101
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 35432
posted
I have always had a very low body temp, around 96. It can be indicative of a thyroid disorder. But, when I was very ill last winter with the flu and pneumonia my temp was over 101.
If you are concerned I would ask the nurse due to your history of low body temp what is considered a fever?
Posts: 1750 | From United States | Registered: Dec 2011
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steve1906
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 16206
posted
This is very common, I had low temps for years, not good...
I also recommend you make note of this to your doctors.
Take your temp three times a day...morning - afternoon and evening. keep good records so your doctor can put it in your records.
Read the post I just put in General Support called - (Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Low Body Temperature)
Steve
-------------------- Everything I say is just my opinion! Posts: 3529 | From Massachusetts Boston Area | Registered: Jul 2008
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GretaM
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 40917
posted
"My question is regarding fevers. Since generally we have low body temperatures is a temperature of 99 considered a fever?"
Yes, it is for me!
I mapped my temp for months and it was always low. Mostly 96-97.
So for me, a 2-3 rise in temp indicates a fever.
It is always accompanied by the break-bone pain and burning face feeling normal folks get when they go over 100.
Imagine if someone 'normal' had a 2-3 degree rise in temp... from 98.6 to 100.6/101.6 the medical 'professionals' would be flipping lids trying to figure out the cause of the fever.
But because we're not over 100, even though we have had a 2-3 degree rise in temp, the average medical 'professional' doesn't even blink an eye.
In my opinion, it is just another thing to add to the list of things that p me o about the average gp not using logical thinking, instead just referencing a number. It's the one-size-fits-all thing again.
If you map your average temp like Steve suggested, it can be very helpful to determine your normal running temp, and also helps to pick out patterns of flares that may help identify coinfections.
Sorry you are getting fevers. They are uncomfortable to be sure.
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