I somehow missed this bit. I have had chronic psoriasis for about 30 years, and I always tell the doctors that, but they don’t seem to realize that it’s an immune system thing. I’ve always attributed my lack of fevers to that, since the last one I had was during the chicken pox I had that triggered the psoriasis in the first place, but I’m not sure that registers on a gp’s radar. I also seem to get whatever flu or cold is going around, but usually minus all the obvious symptoms; just feel like total and utter CRAP. I’ve always assumed that was my immune system too busy fighting stuff off to bother with the symptoms. It’s a joke in my family, who all but my dad have psoriasis in one form or another, that we are remarkably healthy, we just have overactive immune systems that don’t know when to stop fighting.
98.6°F is a mean, many people run higher or lower. Very few people have a normal temp of 98.6°F.
The air temperature will change body temp. If the room is cool, an oral temp will be lower. ear temps are more accurate. Rectal* temps are most accurate for at home readings.
Low temperatures are not indicitive of illness. If your temp is below normal and you’re sick it’s a coincidence.
*NEVER use a mercury thermometer rectally. If using a digital, get a second one for oral use. (Hopefully, this goes without saying. 
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Heh! I’m pregnant (er, temporarily) as well, so I thought the doc may be concerned, but she was more concerned about ‘raging fever’ than ‘low body temp and chills’. I told her about the chills and freezing extremities, but it still wasn’t enough of a ‘flag’ for her to admit me or anything. She just said to let me know if it gets worse. (What? Hypothermia?)
Yes, I have had more tests than one can shake a stick at,It did come near border line, but not enough for medication. that is why my doctor said it was hormonal. I feel good and my tests came out better than most 60 years olds. I am very physically active, I still shovel snow, help cut down trees with my husband and help him haul them to the trailer, He is 85 and still does a lot of physical work, but has arthritis of the spine. 3 years ago he put steel siding on our barn so we wouldn’t have to paint anymore.
I found that if I feel tired I do some physical work or walk the treadmill that seems to stimulate me and the tiredness leaves, I know everyone is different and it may not work for others as it does for me.
Follow-up: My health care professional said I have a virus and an incipient sinus infection. I’ll be going for blood work in a couple of weeks so she can have a baseline.
ETA: My temp at the time was 98.8. And I felt freezing cold.
There’s another thread on this board about folks getting sick and they have symptoms similar to mine. [del]Danged if I can find it, though…sorry.[/del]
Found it: I feel like crap and have either a wicked cold or some sort of flu thing. - Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share - Straight Dope Message Board
FWIW, the friend I was visiting on Tuesday (when I first felt unwell) has developed a sinus infection.
Reminds me of a joke. What’s the difference between an oral and re tap thermometer?
The taste.