Body temperature normals

Alternative Names

Normal body temperature; Temperature - normal

Information

Normal body temperature varies by person, age, activity, and time of day. The average normal body temperature is 98.6°F (37°C).
A temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit usually means you have an infection or illness.
Body temperature normally changes throughout the day.
See also:

• Fever
• Temperature measurement

References

Mackowiak PA. Temperature regulation and the pathogenesis of fever. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Churchill Livingstone Elsevier; 2005: chap 47.
Power KR. Fever. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 174.
Power KR. Fever without a focus. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 18th Ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 175.

Date Last Reviewed: 02/01/2009

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Body Temperature Images

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  Temperature measurement