The real problem appears to be that converting to Fahrenheit and reporting this as “98.6F” suggests an order of magnitude more precision than “37C”. 36.5C would still round to 37 but corresponds to 97.7F.
> The average normal temperature of the healthy human body in its interior, or in carefully covered situations on its surface, varies, according to the plan of measurement from 98.6° to 99.5° Fahr. (37° to 37.5° C.). It is about 98.6° in the well-closed axilla, and a few tenths of a degree higher (.5-1½ or 2° Fahr., .7° Fahr. average) in the rectum and vagina.
So, as far as I can tell it's not a sig-figs issue in conversion, but the actual original source that produced "98.6°". It almost seems like Wunderlich should've used 37.0° to 37.5°C to be consistent.
I'm a little surprised and disappointed that the translation also translates the units, though. That seems to be stepping just outside the bounds of what I would want translated (at least, in the context of a medical journal or scientific writing).
Thanks for that correction!
Funny that people argue over this and some guy named Wunderlich who measured a bunch of asses.
Did he write that translation or is Google Books fake news?
Actually makes it even more interesting, Wunderlich and his reaming to get some Reaumurs.
What were his actual measurements taken in and how accurate was his thermometer? And who's vaginas has it been in?
Curious I get flagged for pointing out the potential measurement inaccuracies and the errs of scientific reproducibility, all while having some humor.
Currently the top comment says "Basically, in our experience, anything below 38.4 °C could just as well be caused by any of a number of non-fever conditions at something like a 90 % confidence level" ... which is panicky territory for me. But anything under 38 is fine.
I've had this happen as an adult: The doctors office had me take 800mg of children's ibuprofen and had me wait until the fever started coming down: If it didn't, they were going to call an ambulance. Sidenote: Children's liquid medicine tastes horrible.
40C (104F) isn't just a little fever, and is definitely in the danger zone for both children and adults. You should probably get to the doctor before that, in general - especially if you react as I do at a lower temperature.