What Is Normal Body Temperature Range?

Your body temperature is considered a “vital sign” because it is an important indicator of your body’s status. Normally body temperature is 98.6° F (37° C) but can vary slightly based on different factors. You should seek immediate medical attention if your temperature is below 95° F (35° C) or above, if you have had your fever for more than a few days, if you have other significant medical problems and a fever above 100.4° F (38° C) , or if you are feeling very unwell because of your fever or the associated symptoms.

What Is Normal Body Temperature For Adults & Kids?

Body temperature is one of our “vital signs,” along with heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. They are called “vital” because they are important indicators of our body’s status, and can serve as important warning signs if there is something wrong with your body.

The normal human body temperature is 98.6° F (37° C) and the body is very good at maintaining this temperature. However, this value can vary slightly based on different factors like:

• Age
• Gender
• Body size
• Where you measure the temperature (under the tongue, at the other end of your gastrointestinal tract, under the armpit, etc.)
• Time of day
• Outside conditions
• Whether you recently did something active, such as working out
• Any illness like an infection (that’s why we reach for the thermometer when we aren’t feeling well)

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Easy-To-Read Body Temperature Chart

For healthy adults and kids without other underlying health issues, here’s an easy-to-read chart that shows what various body temperatures mean and when to seek care. For the purpose of this chart, all measurements are made by mouth, with the thermometer under the tongue.

What Body Temperature Is Too Low?

Some people have a naturally low body temperature that is less than 98. 6° F (37° C). Subnormal body temperature can also be caused by certain medical conditions, including an infection. Hypothermia is a medical emergency in which the body temperature drops dangerously low, below 95° F (35° C). This condition usually results from prolonged exposure to cold or being submerged in cold water, at which point the body begins to lose more heat than it can generate.

At temperatures below 95° F (35° C), the body’s different organ systems cannot function properly. Untreated, this can result in organ failure and even death.

When To Seek Care For A Low Body Temperature

If you measure a body temperature below 95° F (35° C), you should seek medical care immediately. In the case of babies and young children, a body temperature of less than 97° F (36.1° C) is a cause to seek immediate medical evaluation.

What Temperature Is A Fever?

Some people have a normal body temperature that is somewhat higher than 98.6° F (37° C). The body temperature can rise further in response to certain conditions, such as an infection. Any temperature between 98.6-100.4° F (37-38° C) is considered a low-grade fever. Temperatures above 100.4° F (38° C) are considered a fever. A fever by itself is not necessarily a bad thing and may mean that the body’s immune system is fighting against an infection. This is a normal response.

You can treat fever by taking over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), and by drinking plenty of fluids.

When to Seek Care For A Fever

However, if you are an adult with other significant medical conditions or if your temperature is higher than 103° F (39.4° C), seek medical care. If your child is less than three months old and has any fever, or if you or your child has had your fever for more than a few days, you should seek medical attention.

If you have other chronic health conditions, a fever could mean a different course of action. Talk to your doctor about what to watch for and when to seek care.

How Body Temperature Can Affect Common Medical Conditions

Having a fever can be more problematic for people with certain common medical conditions. In particular, people with chronic medical conditions may experience a worsening of their baseline symptoms in response to a fever or the underlying infection. For instance, any respiratory infection can lead to worse symptoms for people with asthma, other chronic breathing problems, and certain heart problems, including congestive heart failure.

There are other common medical conditions which may make it harder for your body to fight off an infection, including diabetes and cancer. If you have these medical conditions and a fever, you should have a lower threshold to contact your doctor since you are at increased risk for complications.

Tips on How to Regulate Body Temperature

When exposing your body to extreme conditions, you should think ahead about ways to help your body regulate body temperature to avoid some of the serious complications mentioned above. Especially if you’re fighting an infection, it’s a good idea to give your body some extra support.

In cold weather, this means:

• Bundle up! Wear multiple layers, including gloves and a warm hat
• Spend as little time as possible in the cold

In hot weather, this means:

• Drink plenty of water, as your body loses extra fluid as it tries to keep cool
• Try to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun
• Take frequent breaks if doing something active and wear breathable, lightweight clothing

Are You Concerned About Your Body Temperature?

When taking your temperature at home, you can choose from an oral, rectal, ear or forehead thermometer. Always use a digital thermometer and follow the instructions. If you don’t have a thermometer available, you may suspect a fever if you are having chills, shivering, sweating or feeling clammy. You may also notice that your cheeks are red. You could treat your fever by taking medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil), and by drinking plenty of fluids.

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Four Reasons To Seek Medical Care For A Fever

In terms of when to seek medical care, you should always use your judgement and seek medical care if you think your condition is serious, or if you meet any of the following criteria if:

• You’re an adult with a temperature higher than 103° F (39.4° C), or if you have significant medical conditions and any fever greater than 100.4° F (38° C)
• You or your child has had your fever for more than a few days
• Your child is less than three months with any fever greater than 100. 4° F (38° C)
• If you feel very unwell because of your fever, or because of the associated symptoms

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How to recognize a fever and when to seek help, for every age group

The temperature that constitutes a fever varies by age and the method of taking it. A fever does not always indicate a serious health issue, but in some cases, such as when a fever is 103°F or more, a person should seek medical attention.

A fever involves a higher than normal body temperature.

Most commonly, they develop due to the body trying to fight an infection or illness.

The range that healthcare professionals classify as a fever varies slightly depending on a person’s age.

This article explores what constitutes a fever in various age groups, possible causes of fever, and at what point a person should seek medical attention for them.

Typically, an average body temperature is about 98.6°F (37°C). However, normal body temperatures may also vary slightly throughout the day.

For example, body temperatures tend to be lowest in the morning.

Individuals also may have their own normal temperature, which may be slightly lower or higher than the “norm.”

Normal body temperature also varies depending on the method that people use to take the temperature. For example, temperatures taken orally are usually lower than a rectal temperature.

Overall, a normal body temperature can vary by 0. 9–1.8°F (0.5°F to 1°F) depending on the anatomic site.

Below are ranges for normal body temperatures according to age. All measurements are oral, except in babies, where oral temperatures are difficult to obtain.

Normal temperatures include:

• 0–2 years: A normal rectal temperature range for babies is 97.9–100.3°F (36.6–37.9°C).
• 3–10 years: When taken orally, a normal temperature for this age group is 95.9–99.5°F (35.5–37.5°C).
• 11–65 years: A normal oral temperature is 97.6–99.6°F (36.4–37.5°C).
• Over 65 years: Some older adults may have a lower baseline temperature than younger people. A normal oral temperature for this age group is 96.4–98.5°F (35.7–36.9°C).

What counts as a fever varies slightly by age and the method of taking the temperature. These different techniques include:

• rectally
• orally
• ear
• under the arm

A rectal temperature is the most accurate measure of core body temperature. However, other methods are less invasive and more convenient. In addition, other approaches can be more accurate to determine if someone has a fever.

Note that an oral temperature is usually slightly lower than a rectal temperature.

The chart below lists what constitutes a fever by age group.

Experts categorize fevers as either low grade or high grade. Although the classification can vary slightly, a fever under 102.2°F (39°C) as a rectal temperature reading is a low-grade fever.

How to take a temperature correctly depends on the body site.

One of the most common ways is with an oral thermometer. In addition, most doctors do not recommend using a glass or mercury thermometer. Instead, healthcare providers usually suggest using a digital thermometer.

To take an oral temperature using a digital thermometer, follow the steps below:

1. Make sure the thermometer is clean.
2. Read the directions that came with the thermometer.
3. Turn the device on.
4. Place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue and keep the mouth closed.
5. Wait until the device beeps, which signals a reading.
6. Check the reading.

It is best to avoid eating or drinking anything for about 10 minutes before taking an oral temperature. The temperature of the food and drink can alter the results and lead to an inaccurate reading.

Another option to check for fever is an ear thermometer. To get the most accurate results:

1. Place the tip into the ear according to the directions.
2. Wait for the beep.
3. Remove the device.
4. Check the reading.

Several conditions, including diseases and infections, can lead to a fever.

Additional symptoms often paint a clearer picture of what is causing a fever. Possible causes may include the following:

COVID-19

A fever is one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Additional indicators may include:

• coughing
• fatigue
• shortness of breath
• loss of taste and smell
• muscle aches

Learn more about the symptoms, treatment, and prevention of COVID-19 here.

Common infections

Various other types of viral and bacterial infections can also trigger a fever, which include:

• seasonal flu
• strep throat
• urinary tract infections
• gastroenteritis

Cancer

A fever can indicate certain types of blood cancers, including lymphoma.

Health experts believe that cancer cells produce chemical signals that increase body temperature, leading to a fever.

Heatstroke

Heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke, can increase temperature and trigger a fever.

Traumatic injuries and pain

A fever can also occur after trauma to the body that causes pain.

Healthcare professionals state that trauma can trigger the release of prostaglandins and cytokines by the white blood cells, which may cause an increase in body temperature.

Fever may also develop after cardiac arrest.

Drug use

Withdrawal from alcohol and amphetamine use can increase body temperature and lead to a fever.

Certain types of prescription medications, such as drugs to treat seizures, may also cause a fever as a side effect.

It is not always necessary to seek medical care for a fever, especially if it is low grade or only lasts a short time.

However, there are some circumstances where a person should seek medical help, such as the following:

• a fever in a baby younger than 3 months
• a baby becomes lethargic
• a fever higher than 103°F (39. 4°C)
• a fever that comes and goes for a week or more
• a fever that lasts for more than 2 days
• if additional symptoms occur, such as:
  • confusion
  • trouble breathing
  • severe headache
  • dehydration

The temperature that constitutes a fever varies slightly by age and where on the body someone takes the temperature.

Usually, rectal temperatures are the most accurate at measuring core temperature.

Although it varies slightly by age, an oral temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) counts as a fever.

In many cases, fever as a sole symptom is not dangerous. But it could be the sign of an infection, including COVID-19.

If a person is unsure of the cause of a fever, or if a fever occurs in a baby less than 3 months old, they should consult with a healthcare provider.

“Pinocchio effect” and 9 more important facts about body temperature Fever and fever can be caused by infection, but there are other factors that change our body temperature – including age, gender, certain foods, and even whether we’re telling the truth or lying.

May 17, 2021

Source:

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1. What is normal body temperature
Normal body temperature can range from 36.1 to 37.2 degrees C. We always adapt the temperature to the environment. For example, when we play sports, we warm up, the temperature rises. And if you compare and stick a thermometer under your armpit before breakfast and after dinner, you will get a different result, in the evening the temperature is usually higher than in the morning.

Infants and young children have a higher body temperature than older children and adults because they also have a higher metabolism. So, newborns usually have an average body temperature just above 37 degrees.

Read also

2. How to measure body temperature correctly
When we measure the temperature of the oral (in the mouth) and rectal (in the rectum), it happens quickly – just five minutes: we actually measure the temperature of the body, internal organs. Another thing is the temperature measurement under the armpit: in this place we, in fact, measure the temperature of the skin. Therefore, for accurate values, it is recommended to keep the thermometer there in the armpit continuously for at least 10 minutes.

Another way to accurately measure temperature is in the ear. It is painless and does not take much time. But for this you can not poke an ordinary thermometer into the auricle. Special infrared devices are used here. At the same time, with an inflammatory process in the auricle, it can give an overestimated result.

3. What is a fever
According to one of the largest private medical and research centers in the world, the Mayo Clinic, fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, which is often caused by an illness – up to 38 degrees or more. The patient may also experience other symptoms: chills, sweating, headache, muscle pain, loss of appetite, irritability, dehydration, general weakness.

Body temperature of 39.4 degrees and above is considered dangerous for an adult. It requires urgent medical attention.
You also need help if you have a high fever:

• severe headache,
• skin rash,
• sensitivity to bright light,
• pain when bending your head forward,
• confusion, 9000 4
• incessant vomiting ,
• difficulty breathing and chest pain,
• abdominal cramps and urination,
• convulsions.

Babies and children under three years of age are at risk of even a slight increase in temperature. This may be a sign of an infection. The most accurate readings are given by the rectal method of measurement. The cavity of the rectum is closed, so the temperature in it is constant.

4. Fever can help you beat infection

Most people worry about a high temperature, but it can actually be helpful. It is not worth bringing down the temperature immediately, as soon as it has slightly increased. It plays an important role in fighting infections. Moreover, you should not prescribe antibiotics to yourself. They are prescribed exclusively by a doctor if a bacterial infection is suspected, such as pneumonia or tonsillitis.

Read also

5. The older the person, the lower the temperature

If you are always cold, even on the hottest summer days, age may be the reason. Research shows that average body temperature drops slightly over the years. Scientists conducted a study – they put thermometers on elderly patients in a nursing home. Body temperature was below average in people aged 65 to 74; even lower – in people from 75 to 84 and in those over 85 years old. Some even had extremely low rates – 34-35 degrees. This is important to know, because when evaluating the health of older people, it is worth paying attention even to a temperature that is considered normal for younger people.

6. Men and women have different body temperatures

In a study published in the Lancet, researchers at the University of Utah in Salt Lake City found that women’s body temperatures are, on average, slightly higher than men’s. But women’s hands, on the contrary, are colder than men’s.

7. A hat won’t help keep you warm if you’re wearing sneakers

Remember your grandmother’s advice – put on a hat, it’s cold outside. It was believed that heat loss would be greater if you do not cover your head in the cold. In fact, studies have shown that any part of the body that is not covered in cold weather loses heat and reduces body temperature proportionately.

8. Lying can cause a change in body temperature

Lying will not make your nose grow like Pinocchio’s, but it will make it colder. The “Pinocchio effect” was described by researchers from the University of Grenada in Spain. They used thermal cameras to demonstrate that the anxiety caused by lying lowers the temperature around the nose and raises it in the forehead.

9. Red pepper gives you a fever

Spicy food can raise your body temperature and boost your metabolism. The researchers suggested that the participants of the experiment add about 1 gram of chili pepper to their food, and found that even this dose raises the core body temperature, while the skin temperature remains normal. This way to improve metabolism is quite suitable for those who control their weight, and especially for those who do not regularly eat spicy foods.

Read also

10. Cold heart can protect your brain

Sometimes doctors deliberately lower a patient’s body temperature for medical purposes. This is called therapeutic hypothermia. It can reduce the risk of ischemic tissue damage after a period of insufficient blood supply due to cardiac arrest or blockage of an artery in emboli, as usually occurs with a stroke.

As soon as the heart starts beating again, healthcare workers use cooling devices to bring the patient’s temperature down to 33-34 degrees.

© DoktorPiter

the highest human temperature

The human body temperature is extremely important for him. If the norm of 36.6 ° C is violated, it is already possible to start talking about deviations in the body. The higher the temperature, the more you need to worry. Usually the critical measurement limit is 42°C, but the world has recorded a body temperature record that is even hard to imagine.

What is the maximum body temperature recorded in a person

This story took place in Atlanta (USA). The highest human temperature in the world was recorded there. American Willie Jones was admitted to a local hospital with heatstroke. The man’s temperature rose to 46.7°C.

The event was marked with the date 10 July 1980. The man’s condition was assessed as extremely feverish and critically dangerous, but after only a few weeks of hospitalization, he successfully recovered and went home.
What prompted the fever for such a record? As we have already noted, it was a heat stroke. The paradox is that the air temperature that day barely exceeded 32°C with a humidity of 44%. For the residents of Atlanta, this alignment can be called quite familiar. For the inhabitants of the world living in hot countries, this is just a ridiculous temperature. For example, in Thailand, the mark often exceeds 35 ° C with a humidity of 90%. It is possible that Willie Jones was engaged in intense physical activity on the street, which is why he suffered.

What determines the temperature of the human body

The temperature of 36.6°C is set as normal for a reason. Back in the 19th century, the German physician Karl Wunderlich measured the indicator in the armpit region about a million times in 25 thousand patients. So the average value was derived, the deviation from which up or down is still a deviation from the norm. Yet modern standards make amends to allow that human body temperature can range from 36°C to 37.4°C.

It is now known that various factors, including age, can have an impact on this indicator. For example, a mark above 36.6 ° C in a child is quite normal. For older people, the temperature can reach lower values.
A high fever in children can be due to a number of factors. For example:

• warm clothes;
• nervous excitement;
• eating;
• bathing in warm water.

That is why, if the child is under 1 year old, the temperature regime should be closely monitored. After waking up, these figures become noticeably lower. If the child begins to actively play, the temperature will rise.

Does the temperature depend on the environment

There are many places in the world where the body can be very hot or, conversely, very cold. Do not forget about the zones of sharply continental climate. Often the biggest challenge for athletes is acclimatization. In high mountains, the value of temperature indicators can change dramatically, creating a heavy burden on the human body.

Our body is warm-blooded, able to maintain the temperature value regardless of environmental conditions. However, the case of Willie Jones showed that heat stroke can cause severe harm. The human body itself cannot endure strong temperature loads, therefore, literally 2 ° changes already negatively affect the body. Confusion, dizziness, malaise and other symptoms appear.

Often, when this value increases, people remember diseases. Indeed, the activation of the immune system leads to a flurry of chemical reactions, which causes a high temperature. So our body creates “uncomfortable” conditions for the pathogen to destroy it.

What types of temperature indicators are divided into

It should be noted that not every temperature is high. In medicine, there are clear boundaries that indicate a condition. The lowest limit starts from 37°C to 38°C. It is commonly called subfebrile. Febrile starts from 38°C to 39°C. High is considered to be the border exceeding 39 ° C. The most dangerous value starts from 40°C.

Doctors operate with borders when making a diagnosis. Note that these indicators are not the most important in determining the state. Other symptoms play a big role. A high temperature value does not at all indicate a dangerous disease – there are many examples in the world when people were in a state of fever, but there was no serious threat to their lives.

A persistent temperature reading above 37°C and below 37.5°C may indicate the occurrence of processes associated with serious diseases.

Can temperature fluctuate

As we have already noted, temperature fluctuation is a natural process and depends on age. Especially often fluctuations occur in a person when they reach adolescence up to 18 years. Fluctuations can be influenced by a variety of factors, physical activity always has a great influence.

It is important to know that high temperatures may not be related to nutrition, strenuous exercise or inflammation at all. Many cases are recorded in the world when a person who stays for a long time in a stuffy room or in the heat is unable to lead a normal life. This is due to the fact that his body has received a large temperature load and cannot restore normal heat transfer. This is how heat stroke begins. The consequences of this condition most detrimentally affect the brain.

Temperature values ​​during pregnancy

In pregnant women, the state of the organism is greatly influenced by the hormonal background. High temperatures are due to sharp hormonal surges, so you need to constantly measure temperature indicators. However, with prolonged exposure to even subfebrile temperatures, there is a reason to consult a doctor, since such a condition can pose a great threat.

What instruments measure temperature

There is a wide variety of devices for measuring human body temperature in the world. Thermometers are still one of the most popular products, so global manufacturers offer a variety of models.
The most famous type of thermometers in Russia is mercury. This thermometer is characterized by high accuracy, affordability and is still in great demand. However, there are not as many such thermometers in the world as they used to be, because they are quite fragile and pose a danger. The mercury they contain is poisonous. A high degree of its deodorization is dangerous and can harm humans and animals.

Electronic thermometer has become more popular in the world. Their most interesting feature was the ability to measure indicators in just 30 seconds. As soon as the measurements are completed, the device will notify you with a sound signal. Alas, such devices do not give exact values. Therefore, manufacturers of such thermometers indicate an error in the instructions. Nevertheless, all over the world they have gained the greatest popularity.

The most modern type of thermometers in the world are infrared. With their help, you can measure the index without contact, getting results in just 5 seconds. The error of this type of thermometer is very low and is no more than 0.5 ° C. A characteristic feature of the infrared thermometer was the limited application. It can read data only from a certain area, for example, a temple, forehead or ear. Moreover, the coverage is purely single, so if the device is designed to measure on the forehead, then it will be impossible to measure in another zone.

Now thermal strips are spreading all over the world. They are widely used due to their ease of use. Such a strip can be applied to the forehead and in a minute it will show the result. The definition occurs along the borders, which helps to find out the most necessary information. Because of this, thermal strips cannot replace a full-fledged thermometer.

What are the forms of temperature fever

Pink (red) fever, which is not always familiar to everyone, is a dangerous signal. She declares herself by redness of the skin, a characteristic blush on her cheeks. With red fever, the body is able to function quite normally and provide proper heat transfer.

The most serious danger is white fever, which is recorded relatively rarely. It can be caused by vasospasm. With white fever, failures of processes associated with thermoregulation occur. The skin becomes white, while the hands get cold, and the thermometer shows a high temperature level. White fever is very dangerous because the heat can harm the internal organs.

What are the consequences of a high temperature

There are 3 symptoms that make themselves felt when you have a high temperature. These are nausea, pressure and diarrhea. The second should be concentrated separately. Fever affects hemodynamics, which leads to increased heart rate. The acceleration of blood flow leads to vasodilation and an increase in blood pressure. At the same time, the indicators, as a rule, do not exceed 140/90 mmHg An increase in pressure is characteristic of people who have a fever of 38.5 ° C. Sometimes the pressure may, on the contrary, decrease. You should not take drugs that affect blood pressure, as the indicators will even out on their own after the fever passes.