How much temp is fever

The table below gives the normal ranges of body temperature for adults and children according to a thermometer manufacturer:. Normal body temperature readings will vary within these ranges depending on the following factors:.

A normal adult body temperature, when taken orally, can range from In adults, the following temperatures suggest that someone has a fever:. A study looking at almost 35, people found that older adults had the lowest temperatures, and African-American women had higher temperatures than white men.

For example, people with an underactive thyroid hypothyroidism tended to have lower temperatures, while people with cancer had higher temperatures. Sometimes, babies and young children have higher body temperature ranges than adults for armpit and ear measurements. A normal body temperature for infants aged 0—2 years ranges from Body temperature may rise a little when a baby is teething.

The average body temperature of a newborn is Their bodies are also more metabolically active, which generates heat. They sweat less when it is warm, meaning that their bodies retain more heat. It may also be more difficult for them to cool them down during a fever.

A temperature of However, a moderate fever can be more worrying for a person with existing heart or lung problems. Temperatures of over Hypothermia can be dangerous if not treated quickly. Call your doctor if a child has a temperature of over Joseph treats children and adults of all ages for a wide range of illnesses.

The medical community generally defines a fever as a body temperature above A body temp between Joseph said. Body temperature can vary by as much as 0. Glass thermometers that contain mercury are not recommended.

If you have a glass thermometer, contact your local health unit to find out how to dispose of it safely. If you break a glass thermometer, call your local poison control centre right away. Before you take a temperature, read the instructions for how to use your type of thermometer. Some common ways to take a temperature are described below. Oral by mouth is the most common method of taking a temperature. This method can be used for children who are older than 5 years of age.

For you to get an accurate reading, the person must be able to breathe through his or her nose. If this is not possible, use the rectum, ear, or armpit to take the temperature. This is the most accurate way to measure body temperature.

It is recommended for babies , small children, and people who can't hold a thermometer safely in their mouths. Use a rectal thermometer only if you are comfortable doing so. It is also used when it is very important to get the most accurate reading.

Do not use a thermometer to take an oral temperature after it has been used to take a rectal temperature. Taking a temperature in the armpit may not be as accurate as taking an oral or rectal temperature. This method is recommended for children older than 2 years. Ear thermometers may need to be cleaned before they are used. Taking an oral temperature causes only mild discomfort. You have to keep the thermometer under your tongue and hold it in place with your lips.

Taking a rectal temperature can cause a little discomfort, but it should not be painful. Taking an ear temperature causes little or no discomfort. The probe is not inserted very far into the ear, and it gives a reading in only a few seconds. Taking an armpit temperature does not cause any discomfort. There is very little chance of a problem from taking a temperature.

When taking a rectal temperature, do not push the thermometer in more than 1. Pushing it farther can be painful and may damage the rectum. If you tell your doctor about your temperature reading, be sure to say where it was taken: in the mouth, rectum, armpit, or ear. But that may not be normal for you. Your temperature also changes during the day.

It is usually lowest in the early morning. It may rise as much as 0. Your temperature may also rise by 0. A woman's body temperature often changes by 0. It peaks around the time she ovulates.

A rectal or ear temperature of less than A temperature reading may not be accurate if:. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.

Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn How this information was developed. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. All rights reserved. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. British Columbia Specific Information Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat. Top of the page. Test Overview Body temperature is a measure of your body's ability to make and get rid of heat.

When you are too hot, the blood vessels in your skin widen to carry the excess heat to your skin's surface. If you feel hot or shivery, you may have a high temperature even if a thermometer says your temperature is below 38C. This page is for adults. For advice about children, see fever in children.

Page last reviewed: 06 April Next review due: 06 April