Indonesians Mistakenly Believe They Are Warm-Blooded Animals During Early COVID-19 Pandemic
During the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, some people mistakenly believed they had become warm-blooded animals after being told their temperature was 28 degrees Celsius - highlighting how important accurate information is during times of crisis like this one today
Jan. 11, 2023 12:21PM
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A thermometer placed against a person's forehead with an Indonesian flag in the background
When Indonesians were asked to have their temperature taken during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, many were surprised when they heard "28 degrees okay". It turns out that temperature checks weren't a common practice in Indonesia, so many people didn't know what their normal body temperature was. This led some to believe that they had become warm-blooded animals like those found in tropical climates. The confusion stemmed from the fact that most mammals living in tropical climates are warm-blooded and maintain a constant body temperature regardless of external conditions. In contrast, humans are endothermic and our body temperatures fluctuate with changes in our environment. As such, a normal human body temperature can range from 36.5°C (97.7°F) to 37.5°C (99.5°F). While it may seem funny now, this misunderstanding caused some Indonesians to panic as they thought something was wrong with them when their temperatures were lower than expected. Fortunately, medical professionals quickly cleared up any confusion by explaining the difference between warm-blooded and endothermic creatures and reassuring people that 28 degrees Celsius is indeed within the normal range for human body temperatures. This incident serves as an important reminder of how vital accurate information is during times of crisis like the current pandemic we are facing today. Without reliable sources of information, rumors can spread quickly and cause unnecessary fear or anxiety among people who don't know any better. It's essential for everyone to stay informed about what is happening around them so that we can all work together to keep ourselves safe and healthy during these difficult times.