Afebrile

The term 'afebrile' (pronounced a-FEE-bril) is an adjective used in medical contexts to describe a person or animal who does not have a fever. It signifies a normal body temperature, typically within the standard range of 98.6°F (37°C) for humans, though acceptable ranges can fluctuate slightly depending on individual factors and measurement method. The term emphasizes the absence of an elevated body temperature that usually indicates an illness or infection. Assessment of whether a patient is afebrile is crucial in diagnosing and monitoring various medical conditions. It often provides valuable information on the response to medical treatments.

Afebrile meaning with examples

• The doctor checked the child's temperature, noting that he was afebrile. His normal reading indicated that the infection seemed to be subsiding, which was good news to the worried parents. The observation reinforced that his immune system was effectively fighting the illness and thus, he wasn't showing any signs of fever, and his care routine could continue.
• During the follow-up appointment, the nurse confirmed the patient's afebrile state. This was reported to the physician, and it was confirmed to the patient that their medication was helping to control the underlying infection. The lack of fever was a positive sign that the body was responding well to the prescribed medication.
• After recovering from the flu, she remained afebrile for several days, allowing her to return to work and resume her daily activities without any concerns about a recurring fever or illness. This signaled a full recovery, indicating her body had completely eradicated the virus and was functioning optimally.
• The veterinarian assessed the dog and found it afebrile, which was a relief. The absence of fever meant that the dog's illness was likely not serious and that treatment was progressing as planned. They took this as a positive sign because he would recover, and could resume playing and eating.