Normal human body temperature, also known as normothermia or euthermia,
is the typical temperature range found in humans.
Normal body temperature =37 degrees Celsius
The normal body temperature is between about 36 and 37°C, but this can vary from
person to person and from hour to hour. Most centres define fever as body
temperature higher than 38°C. Temperatures between 37.5°C and 38.5°C may
indicate a low-grade fever. The rectal or tympanic ear) temperature is higher than 38°C.
The definition of fever is an elevation in body temperature or high bodytemperature. Technically, any
body temperature above the normal oral measurement of 98.6 degrees
Fahrenheit (37 Celsius) or the normal rectaltemperature of 99 F (37.2
C) is considered elevated.
Normal body temperature for adults:
The average body temperature, taken with a thermometer in the
mouth, is 37ºC (98.6ºF), but anywhere between 36.5ºC and 37.2ºC (97.7ºF and
99ºF) can be considered normal. Armpit temperatures are 0.2ºC to
0.3ºC lower than this. A fever in adults is a temperature of
38ºC (100.4ºF) or above.
Dangerous temperature:
High-grade fevers range from about 103 F-104 F. Dangerous
temperatures are high-grade fevers that range from over 104 F-107 F or
higher (extremely high fevers are also termed hyperpyrexia).
When should you worry about a fever?
Call your doctor if your temperature is 103 F (39.4 C) or higher. Seek
immediate medical attention if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies
a fever: Severe headache. Unusual skin rash, especially if the rash
rapidly worsens.
A normal temperature in babies and
children is about 36.4C (97.5F), but this can vary slightly. A fever is usually
considered to be a temperature of 38C (100.4F) or above. Your baby may have a
fever if they: feel hotter than usual to the touch – on their forehead, back or
stomach.