Pronunciation: [lˈə͡ʊ fˈiːvə] (IPA) 
"Low fever" is a commonly used term in medical settings for a mild increase in body temperature. The IPA transcription of the word is /loʊ ˈfivər/, which can be broken down to "loh" for the first syllable and "fie-ver" for the second. The "ow" diphthong in "low" is pronounced as the "o" in "go" followed by a "w" sound. The "i" in "fever" is pronounced as a long "e" sound, and the stress is on the second syllable.
Low fever is a medical condition characterized by a slightly elevated body temperature that is below the normal range but still within a moderate range. It refers to a state of pyrexia where a person's body temperature rises above the standard 98.6°F (37°C), but remains below 100.4°F (38°C) or 101°F (38.3°C).
Low fever is typically considered a mild form of fever that is often associated with various infections, viral or bacterial illnesses, or as a response to certain medical conditions such as inflammation. It is commonly accompanied by symptoms like chills, fatigue, malaise, and a general feeling of discomfort.
While low fever can be concerning, it is usually not a cause for immediate alarm, as it is the body's natural defense mechanism to fight off infections. It generally indicates that the immune system is functioning properly and attempting to combat an underlying condition or illness.
To manage low fever, over-the-counter antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be recommended to lower the body temperature and alleviate associated symptoms. It is also crucial to stay hydrated, get adequate rest, and maintain proper hygiene practices.
It is important to note that low fever should not be confused with high fever, which is a more severe medical condition where the body temperature exceeds 101°F (38.3°C) or 102°F (38.9°C). In such cases, immediate medical attention may be required to evaluate and treat the underlying cause.
One associated with a depressed state of the nervous system.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "low fever" consists of two components: "low" and "fever".
1. "Low": The word "low" originates from the Old English word "lāw" which means "low in position or status" or "not high". It shares the same roots as other Germanic languages such as German "niedrig" and Dutch "laag".
2. "Fever": The word "fever" derives from the Old English word "fefer" or "feferu", which in turn comes from the Proto-Germanic word "febris". This term is thought to have ultimately originated from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*peh₂w-", meaning "to puff up, blow, swell".
Combining these two elements, "low fever" indicates a state of elevated body temperature that is not extremely high but still higher than normal.
