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Your Guide to Normal Body Temperature and Fevers

Normal body temperature is generally considered to be around $98. 6^{\circ} F$ ( $3 7^{\circ} C$ ), but it’s important to know that this is an average. Your body temperature can vary by a degree or more from this number and still be perfectly normal. It’s a dynamic measurement that changes throughout the day and is affected by many different factors. A healthy range for most adults is typically between $97. 0^{\circ} F$ and $99. 0^{\circ} F$ .

What Influences Your Body Temperature?

Your body is constantly working to maintain a stable internal temperature, but it’s not a static number. Several common factors can cause your temperature to fluctuate slightly during the day.

Time of Day: Your body temperature follows a natural rhythm, known as a circadian rhythm. It’s usually at its lowest point in the early morning, just before you wake up, and gradually rises throughout the day, reaching its peak in the late afternoon or early evening.
Physical Activity: When you exercise, your muscles generate heat, which naturally increases your body temperature. This is a normal physiological response and your body’s way of regulating energy.
Food and Drink: Consuming hot beverages or spicy foods can cause a temporary, slight rise in your temperature. Conversely, a cold drink can cause a temporary drop.
Hormones: Hormonal changes, particularly those related to the menstrual cycle, can affect a woman’s body temperature. Ovulation, for example, often causes a slight increase in basal body temperature.
Age: An individual’s age can also influence their average temperature. Infants and young children generally have higher body temperatures than adults due to their higher metabolism. The elderly may have slightly lower average temperatures.
Environment: Being in a very hot or very cold environment can cause your body temperature to rise or fall as your body attempts to adapt.

Understanding Fevers: What They Are and When to Worry

A fever isn’t a disease; it’s a symptom and a sign that your immune system is fighting off an infection. It’s a natural and helpful response that makes it harder for viruses and bacteria to survive. A temperature of $100. 4^{\circ} F$ ( $3 8^{\circ} C$ ) or higher is generally considered a fever.

For a mild fever in adults (up to around $10 1^{\circ} F$ ), home care is often the best approach. You can take over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, get plenty of rest, and stay hydrated by drinking water or clear fluids.

For children, it’s important to monitor them closely. While a temperature of $100. 4^{\circ} F$ in a child is a fever, the age of the child and accompanying symptoms are what matter most.

How to Accurately Measure Your Temperature

Using the right method is key to getting an accurate reading.

Oral: Place the thermometer under the tongue. This is a common method for adults and older children.
Rectal: This is the most accurate method for infants and young children, providing a good approximation of the core body temperature.
Armpit (Axillary): This method is simple but often the least accurate, as the temperature is on the skin’s surface. It’s generally about $0. 5^{\circ} F$ to $1^{\circ} F$ lower than an oral reading.
Forehead (Temporal Artery): These thermometers are quick and non-invasive, making them popular for use with children. They measure the temperature of the temporal artery on the forehead.
Ear (Tympanic): This method measures the temperature inside the ear canal. It can be a good option for older children and adults.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While many fevers can be managed at home, there are specific situations where you should contact a doctor.

For adults, you should seek medical help if:

Your temperature is consistently $10 3^{\circ} F$ ( $39. 4^{\circ} C$ ) or higher.
The fever lasts for more than three days.
You experience other severe symptoms, such as a stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, or a rash.

For infants and children, it’s even more crucial to be cautious. Call a doctor if:

An infant younger than 3 months has a temperature of $100. 4^{\circ} F$ ( $3 8^{\circ} C$ ) or higher.
A child between 3 months and 3 years old has a temperature of $102. 2^{\circ} F$ ( $3 9^{\circ} C$ ) or higher and appears unusually irritable or lethargic.
A child of any age has a fever accompanied by a seizure, difficulty breathing, or appears severely unwell.

Keeping a close eye on your body temperature and understanding what’s normal for you is a great way to monitor your overall health. By knowing the common factors that influence your temperature and recognizing the signs that may require professional medical advice, you can take an active role in managing your well-being.