Normal range
Everybody’s “normal” body temperatures are different. Yours may be different from someone else’s. In the 19 th century, a German doctor set the standard at 98.6 F. However, recent research suggests that the minimum for most people is closer towards 98.2 F.
A typical adult’s body temperature is between 97 F and 99 F. Children and babies have a slightly higher range of temperatures: 97.9 F – 100.4 F.
Temperatures don’t always stay the same throughout the day. They will change throughout your life. Your temperature can fluctuate throughout the day due to:
- How active are you?
- It is what time it is
- Your age
- Your sex
- What you’ve had to eat or drink
- You are where you need to be in your menstrual cycle
Fever is defined as a body temperature that is higher than the normal range. Hypothermia is when your body temperature drops too low. Both must be monitored.
Fever
What is the maximum temperature you can take? A fever is defined as anything above 100.4 F. A fever can be very uncomfortable, but it is generally not dangerous. A fever is a sign that your body is responding to germs. They are being fought off.
If your temperature is higher than 103 F, or if you have been experiencing fever for longer than three days, contact your doctor. Call your doctor if you experience severe symptoms such as vomiting, nausea, headaches, stiff neck, rash, or chest pain.
Fevers in children are more complex. If your child has fever, consult your pediatrician.
- Below 3 months old and with a rectal temperature of 100.4 F or more
- It can be between 3 and 3 years old, and the rectal temperature is greater than 102 F.
- If the oral temperature is higher than 103 F, it’s older than 3 years.
- Between 3 and 6 month old. A fever, along with being fussier or more uncomfortable than normal, or not alert.
- You are sick enough to be worried, no matter what the thermometer tells you
Hypothermia
Hypothermia can lead to serious and even fatal consequences if your body loses too many heat. Hypothermia occurs when your body temperatures fall below 95 F. It can also happen indoors.
For newborns and elderly, hypothermia is of particular concern.
Babies might not be able to regulate their temperature. They can quickly lose heat. Keep them warm. Babies should not be exposed to temperatures below 97 F.
If there isn’t enough heat or intense air conditioning, older adults may have trouble maintaining their normal body temperature.
A lower body temperature in both children and the elderly can indicate that they are sick.
Hypothermia can also be caused by other factors. These include:
- Use of alcohol or drugs
- Hypothyroidism (an underactive or hypothyroid thyroid)
- Anorexia
- Stroke
- Sepsis (overwhelming Infection)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Nerve damage
- Malnutrition
- Antidepressants, antipsychotics, and sedatives are all medicines.
- Anesthesia