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Could be. What has their history been? You can usually check over their last few temperature readings to see if this is their normal. For example, I am in my early 40s. Since my late teens my "normal" is 97.6 a full point below average "normal" according to medical literature. It is important to know what your average normal is over time so you can catch a fever early. For example, if my temp is 99.6 I know that it is serious, as thats TWO points above my normal, whereas in other people this would only be a slight fever.

So, check over the records of the person you are asking about and see what their average normal is over time to figure out if these numbers are normal for them or are too low. Having a body temperature that is low can indicated many things including organ failure, hypothermia or thyroid issues.

Angel
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Put fresh batteries in the thermometer and try again. Make sure the patient is not mouth breathing. Normal is 98.6 (37 C) but many people run below that. As Angel said, you need to track and trend.
Also spend 20 bucks on a pulse oximeter, and keep a log of O2 saturation and heart rate. Very helpful if you need to call the MD.
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My father's temperature got lower in the last years of his life. It is all part of the aging process when they are nearing death. Lower temperature doesn't mean they will die soon. It is something that comes in over time. Blood pressure also tends to get lower during this same time. This doesn't happen to everyone, but it does happen with many.

My mother's temperature varies between 96 and 99 now. She will be 90 years old soon, so her homeostasis is not as good as it once was. She had temperature fairly constant at 99 when she was younger.
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Thank you everyone. Your responses are a comfort. God Bless all of you.
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I have nothing to add to these wise posters! Hooray!
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Me neither.
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Thank you everyone.. God Bless you all :)
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:)
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