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Body temperature normals

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Temperature measurement
Temperature measurement

Alternative Names    Return to top

Normal body temperature; Temperature - normal

Information    Return to top

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:

References    Return to top

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.

Update Date: 2/1/2009

Updated by: Linda Vorvick, MD, Family Physician, Seattle Site Coordinator, Lecturer, Pathophysiology, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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