98.6

In America, 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is widely believed to be the healthy core body temperature for an adult human.

This belief is based upon one German study which found the mean body temperature of the study subjects, when rounded to two significant digits, to be 37 degrees Celsius. This is 98.6 degrees on the Fahrenheit scale.

In reality, the expected normal core body temperature for an adult is expected to lie within a range of possible values. Although the range varies by source, one commonly cited normal range is 36.4 - 37.1 °C (97.6 - 98.8 °F).

"98.6" is also the title of a 1967 hit single by "Keith" (also known as James Barry Keefer, now legally changed to Bazza Keefer). The song relates the feeling of being in love to the feeling of good health and thus to the number 98.6.

Non-American cultures share America's fascination with precise figures. In Russia the figure 36.6 °C has achieved a similar mythic status. According to the Russian pharmaceutical chain named 36.6, "36.6 is the ideal body temperature in Centigrade for healthy adults and children." 36.6 °C equals 97.88 °F.

Pop culture

The band name 98 Degrees was based on the average human body temperature.

External links

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