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1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 50 (from laksa147)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa050.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498","crawl_time":1776266273,"first_indexed_time":1671662348,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,verywellhealth!www,\/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498 s443","src_root_hash":"5681562863987870850","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"What Is Normal Body Temperature?","meta_descriptions":["The normal temperature range for children and adults depends on the method of temperature reading and other factors. Learn what’s considered normal."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Key Takeaways\nNormal body temperature for adults ranges from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit.\nDifferent body parts are used to measure body temperature, and the rectal method is the most accurate.\nA fever is when your body temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.\nThe human body's normal temperature was long considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.\nNormal adult body temperatures actually range from 97 to 99 F.\nPlus, there's some evidence to suggest normal temperature has decreased over time and is closer to 97.9 F.\nYour temperature can fluctuate and vary based on your age and the method used to measure your temperature. A\nfever\nis when your body temperature is higher than normal. Most healthcare providers consider a fever to be at 100.4 or higher.\nIllustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health\nThe average human body temperature is 98.6 F (or 37 degrees Celsius). However, this is just an average and varies among people. Several factors can affect body temperature, including age, sex, and where on your body you take it. \nAcross a person's lifespan, healthy, normal body temperature ranges in degrees Fahrenheit from 96 to 99.9.\n \nInfants and Children\nA baby or child’s normal temperature varies based on age as follows:\nPreterm newborns\n: 97.7–98.6 F\nTerm newborns\n: 97.2–99.9 F\nBabies less than 6 months old\n: 97.2–99.4 F\n6–12 months\n: 96–99.7 F\n1–13 years\n: 95.9–99 F\nAdults \nThe normal\nbody temperature range for teens and adults is 97–99 F. People over age 60 have slightly lower temperatures than those younger than 60.\nDifferent Ways to Measure Body Temperature\nBody temperature varies depending on where you measure it on your body.\nCentral sites include the\nrectum\n(anus) and are typically used for young infants or severely ill individuals due to their invasiveness. An internal\nFoley catheter\nwith a sensor can also approximate core temperature, but urine measured outside the body is cooler.\nPeripheral sites, like oral (mouth), axillary (armpit), temporal (forehead), or tympanic (ear), are influenced by the environment and slightly less accurate.\nHowever, they are easier and more practical for everyday use.\nOral\nOral temperatures are taken in the mouth. The room temperature, hot or cold liquids, and probe placement can influence oral temperatures. One study showed a variation of 3.6 degrees between oral and rectal temperatures.\nNormal and average oral temperatures are as follows:\nNormal range: 96.3–99.3 F\nAverage: 97.8 F\nTympanic\nTympanic thermometers, used in the ear, are quick and easy to operate. Temperature readings might differ slightly between ears and compared to rectal measurements:\nNormal range: 96.4–99.5 F\nAverage: 97.9 F\nAxillary\nAxillary temperatures are measured under the arm. These readings can be influenced by external conditions and can differ from rectal temperatures.\nNormal and average axillary temperatures are as follows:\nNormal range: 95.1–98.4 F\nAverage: 96.7 F\nRectal\nRectal temperature readings, taken in the anus, most accurately reflect core body temperature. They're usually about 1 degree higher than oral temperatures. Healthcare providers often use rectal measurements for babies under 3 months old:\nNormal range: 97.3–99.9 F\nAverage: 98.6 F\nForehead\nTemporal (forehead) temperatures can be measured quickly and easily. Temporal thermometers measure infrared heat waves coming off the temporal artery located in the forehead. However, a forehead temperature is often 0.5 F to 1 F lower than an oral temperature.\nFever During Pregnancy\nIt’s normal to have a slightly elevated temperature during\npregnancy\n. But, you should report a fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees) to your healthcare provider. A fever could indicate an illness such as the flu or COVID-19. Your healthcare provider may want to order tests, prescribe medications, or monitor you carefully.\nHigh Body Temperature (Fever)\nA fever occurs when your body temperature is higher than normal and is usually a response to a disease or illness. Fevers are\ngraded as mild, high, and very high as follows:\nElevated body temperature: 99.5–100.4 F\nLow-grade fever: 100.4 F or higher\nHigh-grade fever\n: 103 F\nVery high or dangerous: Above 105 F\nThe following is how a fever is defined in children\nbased on where the temperature is taken:\nRectal\n: Above 100.4 F\nOral\n: Above 99.5 F\nAxillary\n: Above 99 F\nGuidelines for seeking medical attention, based on age, are as follows:\n3 months or younger:\nRectal temperature over 100.4 F\n3–12 months\n: 102.2 F or higher\n12 months to 2 years\n: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever that lasts longer than 24–48 hours\n2 years and older\n: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever lasting longer than 48–72 hours\nThe following guidelines for seeking medical attention for a fever apply to any age, including adults:\nAn elevated temperature that comes and goes for a week or more, even if it’s not considered a fever\nOther symptoms of illness, along with the fever\nPeople with any grade of fever who have had an organ transplant or a serious medical illness \nThose who have recently traveled to another country\nWhen Is a Fever Considered a Medical Emergency?\nIn children ages 1 year or older, seek emergency medical attention for a fever rising above 103 degrees despite treatment. Getting medical attention before temperatures reach 105 degrees is crucial because it becomes more dangerous after 105.\nTreating temperatures before they reach 105 typically leads to better outcomes.\nSymptoms of Fever\nSymptoms of a fever can be constant or intermittent (come and go). They include:\n \nFeeling warm or hot \nSkin warm to touch\nFlushed face\nTired eyes\nChills\nIf the following symptoms occur along with a fever, they could indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention:\nMalaise\n(generally feeling unwell), especially if occurring with a fever\nDecreased urine output or dark urine\nPersistent nausea or vomiting\nPersistent constipation or diarrhea\nHeadache\nAching\nConfusion\nStiff neck\nFever that has persisted for more than 48 hours\nRegardless of their body temperature, the following signs and symptoms indicate an infant, child, or nonverbal adult should receive medical attention:\n \nBehavioral changes (such as being less alert, not smiling, not playing, prolonged extreme fussiness or agitation)\nDecreased appetite or refusing food\nAbnormal skin color\nDecreased urine output\nChanges in bowel pattern\nBreathing difficulties\nPassing out\nSeizures\nTreating a Fever at Home\nThese remedies may help treat a fever at home:\nDrink plenty of fluids, including water, ice pops, soup, and gelatin.\nTake over-the-counter (OTC) fever-reducing medications such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen).\nPlace a cool towel under the arms, behind the neck, and on the forehead.\nTake a lukewarm (not hot, but not overly cold) bath.\nKeep the room temperature comfortable, not overly hot or cool. \nRemove excess clothing or blankets.\nThe following are safety considerations when treating a fever at home:\nAvoid giving medications to infants 3 months or younger before calling your child's provider.\nDo not use ibuprofen in children 6 months or younger.\nDo not give aspirin to a child unless your child's provider tells you to. It can cause a serious illness called\nReye's syndrome\n.\nAvoid bundling with multiple blankets or jackets, even if you, another adult, or a child has the chills.\nDo not use cold baths, ice, or alcohol baths as they can cause shivering and increase core body temperature, which can be dangerous. Lukewarm baths are fine and helpful. \nAvoid too much sugar when taking in fluids. \nDo not force food on someone who is refusing it. \nLow Body Temperature (Hypothermia) \nWhile people often are concerned with elevated temperatures and fevers, it’s important to note that\nlow body temperatures\ncould also be just as concerning. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if left untreated.\nHypothermia may be categorized into three stages:\nMild hypothermia: 90–95 F\nModerate hypothermia: 82–90 F\nSevere hypothermia: Lower than 82 F\nCommon causes of hypothermia include:\nBeing in cold environments without enough protective clothing\nFalling into a cold body of water\nHeavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather\nA low body temperature in young infants can also be caused by a serious illness called\nsepsis\n.\nA rectal temperature is the most accurate for infants younger than 3 months old. \nSymptoms of Hypothermia\nSymptoms of hypothermia include:\nConfusion\nDrowsiness\nPale and cold to touch\nSlowed breathing\nSlowed heart rates\nShivering (then lack of shivering)\nWeakness and loss of coordination\nStiff body with rigid muscles\nTreating Hypothermia at Home\nIf you suspect someone has hypothermia, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. While you wait for help to arrive, you can take the following steps to warm the person slowly:\nMove the person to a warm room if you are outdoors.\nRemove any wet clothing and replace them with dry clothing (including socks, gloves, and hat).\nUse a warming blanket or warm compresses on the neck, chest, and groin. You can use skin-to-skin contact under loose blankets.\nIf the person is alert, offer small sips of a warm liquid, such as water or broth. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.\nIf a person is unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR until emergency help arrives.\nWhat Affects Body Temperature Readings?\nAs mentioned above, age, temperature measurement site, and the time of day factor into your normal body temperature. Sex also plays a role. People assigned female at birth tend to have higher temperatures. This also fluctuates during their menstrual cycle,\novulation\n, and pregnancy.\n \nOther factors include:\nPhysical activity\nStress or other strong emotions\nWhen you eat\nHeavy clothing or blankets\nHot or humid environments \nHealth conditions, including\nhypothyroidism\n,\nautoimmune disorders\n, and some types of\ncancer\nImmunization\n(children may respond with a low-grade fever)\nTeething\n(elevated temperature, not usually higher than 100) \nSome medications\nA Word From Verywell\nCauses of fever can be as benign as having the flu or something more serious. Most, but not all, fevers are caused by bacterial infections and are usually treated successfully with antibiotic therapy. Viral and fungal infections can also cause a fever and may require anti-viral or anti-fungal therapy. Fever caused by infection, if not adequately treated, can sometimes turn into a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Therefore, all fevers should be properly identified and treated to prevent worse outcomes.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to content](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#skip-to-content)\n\nMenu\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n  - [Colorectal Cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/colon-cancer-4014742)\n  - [Arthritis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/arthritis-overview-4582013)\n  - [Type 2 Diabetes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/type-2-diabetes-overview-4581874)\n  - [Digestive Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/digestive-health-4141198)\n  - [Multiple Sclerosis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/multiple-sclerosis-overview-4581925)\n  - [Skin Health](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/skin-health-4014649)\n  - [View All](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Prevention & Treatment](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/prevention-and-treatment-4158390)\n  - [Diet & Nutrition](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/nutrition-diet-and-healthy-eating-5202128)\n  - 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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\n# Normal Body Temperature: What Is Considered High or Low?\nBy [Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/brandi-jones-5193745)\n\nUpdated on March 31, 2026\n\nMedically reviewed by  [Michael Menna, DO](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/michael-menna-do-4774741)\n\nTable of Contents\n\nView All\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- [Is 98.6 Normal?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-normal-body-temperature-range)\n- [Temps by Method](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-different-ways-to-measure-body-temperature)\n- [What's a Fever?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-high-body-temperature-fever)\n- [Low Body Temp](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-low-body-temperature-hypothermia)\n- [Factors in Normal Readings](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-what-affects-body-temperature-readings)\n\n### Key Takeaways\n- Normal body temperature for adults ranges from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit.\n- Different body parts are used to measure body temperature, and the rectal method is the most accurate.\n- A fever is when your body temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.\n\nThe human body's normal temperature was long considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal adult body temperatures actually range from 97 to 99 F. Plus, there's some evidence to suggest normal temperature has decreased over time and is closer to 97.9 F.\n\nYour temperature can fluctuate and vary based on your age and the method used to measure your temperature. A [fever](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/fever-8685009) is when your body temperature is higher than normal. Most healthcare providers consider a fever to be at 100.4 or higher.\n\n![Several people exhibiting symptoms of fever and a digital thermometer with a reading of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.]()\n\n![Several people exhibiting symptoms of fever and a digital thermometer with a reading of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/xihHs63Rsho_zgFxo5IsAdo4qLo=\/1500x0\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/VWH-MichelaButtignol-WhatIsNormalBodyTemperature-4000x2700-621a05f09c5e41ea800e95f425123789.png)\n\nIllustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health\n## Normal Body Temperature Range\nThe average human body temperature is 98.6 F (or 37 degrees Celsius). However, this is just an average and varies among people. Several factors can affect body temperature, including age, sex, and where on your body you take it.\n\nAcross a person's lifespan, healthy, normal body temperature ranges in degrees Fahrenheit from 96 to 99.9.\n\n### Infants and Children\nA baby or child’s normal temperature varies based on age as follows:\n\n- **Preterm newborns**: 97.7–98.6 F\n- **Term newborns**: 97.2–99.9 F\n- **Babies less than 6 months old**: 97.2–99.4 F\n- **6–12 months**: 96–99.7 F\n- **1–13 years**: 95.9–99 F\n### Adults\nThe normalbody temperature range for teens and adults is 97–99 F. People over age 60 have slightly lower temperatures than those younger than 60.\n\n## Different Ways to Measure Body Temperature\nBody temperature varies depending on where you measure it on your body.  \n  \n Central sites include the [rectum](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/take-a-rectal-temperature-1298382) (anus) and are typically used for young infants or severely ill individuals due to their invasiveness. An internal [Foley catheter](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-foley-catheter-3157319) with a sensor can also approximate core temperature, but urine measured outside the body is cooler.\n\nPeripheral sites, like oral (mouth), axillary (armpit), temporal (forehead), or tympanic (ear), are influenced by the environment and slightly less accurate. However, they are easier and more practical for everyday use.\n\n### Oral\nOral temperatures are taken in the mouth. The room temperature, hot or cold liquids, and probe placement can influence oral temperatures. One study showed a variation of 3.6 degrees between oral and rectal temperatures. Normal and average oral temperatures are as follows:\n\n- Normal range: 96.3–99.3 F\n- Average: 97.8 F\n### Tympanic\nTympanic thermometers, used in the ear, are quick and easy to operate. Temperature readings might differ slightly between ears and compared to rectal measurements:\n\n- Normal range: 96.4–99.5 F\n- Average: 97.9 F\n### Axillary\nAxillary temperatures are measured under the arm. These readings can be influenced by external conditions and can differ from rectal temperatures. Normal and average axillary temperatures are as follows:\n\n- Normal range: 95.1–98.4 F\n- Average: 96.7 F\n### Rectal\nRectal temperature readings, taken in the anus, most accurately reflect core body temperature. They're usually about 1 degree higher than oral temperatures. Healthcare providers often use rectal measurements for babies under 3 months old:\n\n- Normal range: 97.3–99.9 F\n- Average: 98.6 F\n### Forehead\nTemporal (forehead) temperatures can be measured quickly and easily. Temporal thermometers measure infrared heat waves coming off the temporal artery located in the forehead. However, a forehead temperature is often 0.5 F to 1 F lower than an oral temperature.\n\n### Fever During Pregnancy\nIt’s normal to have a slightly elevated temperature during [pregnancy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/pregnancy-facts-and-statistics-5324188). But, you should report a fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees) to your healthcare provider. A fever could indicate an illness such as the flu or COVID-19. Your healthcare provider may want to order tests, prescribe medications, or monitor you carefully.\n## High Body Temperature (Fever)\nA fever occurs when your body temperature is higher than normal and is usually a response to a disease or illness. Fevers aregraded as mild, high, and very high as follows:\n\n- Elevated body temperature: 99.5–100.4 F\n- Low-grade fever: 100.4 F or higher\n- [High-grade fever](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/when-is-a-fever-too-high-770347): 103 F\n- Very high or dangerous: Above 105 F\n\nThe following is how a fever is defined in childrenbased on where the temperature is taken:\n\n- **Rectal**: Above 100.4 F\n- **Oral**: Above 99.5 F\n- **Axillary**: Above 99 F\n\nGuidelines for seeking medical attention, based on age, are as follows:\n\n- **3 months or younger:** Rectal temperature over 100.4 F\n- **3–12 months**: 102.2 F or higher\n- **12 months to 2 years**: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever that lasts longer than 24–48 hours\n- **2 years and older**: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever lasting longer than 48–72 hours\n\nThe following guidelines for seeking medical attention for a fever apply to any age, including adults:\n\n- An elevated temperature that comes and goes for a week or more, even if it’s not considered a fever\n- Other symptoms of illness, along with the fever\n- People with any grade of fever who have had an organ transplant or a serious medical illness\n- Those who have recently traveled to another country\n\n### When Is a Fever Considered a Medical Emergency?\nIn children ages 1 year or older, seek emergency medical attention for a fever rising above 103 degrees despite treatment. Getting medical attention before temperatures reach 105 degrees is crucial because it becomes more dangerous after 105. Treating temperatures before they reach 105 typically leads to better outcomes.\n### Symptoms of Fever\nSymptoms of a fever can be constant or intermittent (come and go). They include:\n\n- Feeling warm or hot\n- Skin warm to touch\n- Flushed face\n- [Tired eyes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/do-you-suffer-from-asthenopia-or-tired-eyes-3421982)\n- Chills\n\nIf the following symptoms occur along with a fever, they could indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention:\n\n- [Malaise](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-post-exertional-malaise-716023) (generally feeling unwell), especially if occurring with a fever\n- Decreased urine output or dark urine\n- Persistent nausea or vomiting\n- Persistent constipation or diarrhea\n- Headache\n- Aching\n- Confusion\n- Stiff neck\n- Fever that has persisted for more than 48 hours\n\nRegardless of their body temperature, the following signs and symptoms indicate an infant, child, or nonverbal adult should receive medical attention:\n\n- Behavioral changes (such as being less alert, not smiling, not playing, prolonged extreme fussiness or agitation)\n- Decreased appetite or refusing food\n- Abnormal skin color\n- Decreased urine output\n- Changes in bowel pattern\n- Breathing difficulties\n- Passing out\n- [Seizures](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/shakes-and-seizures-2634654)\n### Treating a Fever at Home\nThese remedies may help treat a fever at home:\n\n- Drink plenty of fluids, including water, ice pops, soup, and gelatin.\n- Take over-the-counter (OTC) fever-reducing medications such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen).\n- Place a cool towel under the arms, behind the neck, and on the forehead.\n- Take a lukewarm (not hot, but not overly cold) bath.\n- Keep the room temperature comfortable, not overly hot or cool.\n- Remove excess clothing or blankets.\n\nThe following are safety considerations when treating a fever at home:\n\n- Avoid giving medications to infants 3 months or younger before calling your child's provider.\n- Do not use ibuprofen in children 6 months or younger.\n- Do not give aspirin to a child unless your child's provider tells you to. It can cause a serious illness called [Reye's syndrome](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/reyes-syndrome-2861001).\n- Avoid bundling with multiple blankets or jackets, even if you, another adult, or a child has the chills.\n- Do not use cold baths, ice, or alcohol baths as they can cause shivering and increase core body temperature, which can be dangerous. Lukewarm baths are fine and helpful.\n- Avoid too much sugar when taking in fluids.\n- Do not force food on someone who is refusing it.\n## Low Body Temperature (Hypothermia)\nWhile people often are concerned with elevated temperatures and fevers, it’s important to note that [low body temperatures](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/low-body-temperature-5215488) could also be just as concerning. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if left untreated.\n\nHypothermia may be categorized into three stages:\n\n- Mild hypothermia: 90–95 F\n- Moderate hypothermia: 82–90 F\n- Severe hypothermia: Lower than 82 F\n\nCommon causes of hypothermia include:\n\n- Being in cold environments without enough protective clothing\n- Falling into a cold body of water\n- Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather\n\nA low body temperature in young infants can also be caused by a serious illness called [sepsis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sepsis-and-septic-shock-diagnosis-and-treatment-3156827). A rectal temperature is the most accurate for infants younger than 3 months old.\n\n### Symptoms of Hypothermia\nSymptoms of hypothermia include:\n\n- Confusion\n- Drowsiness\n- Pale and cold to touch\n- Slowed breathing\n- Slowed heart rates\n- Shivering (then lack of shivering)\n- Weakness and loss of coordination\n- Stiff body with rigid muscles\n### Treating Hypothermia at Home\nIf you suspect someone has hypothermia, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. While you wait for help to arrive, you can take the following steps to warm the person slowly:\n\n- Move the person to a warm room if you are outdoors.\n- Remove any wet clothing and replace them with dry clothing (including socks, gloves, and hat).\n- Use a warming blanket or warm compresses on the neck, chest, and groin. You can use skin-to-skin contact under loose blankets.\n- If the person is alert, offer small sips of a warm liquid, such as water or broth. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.\n\nIf a person is unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR until emergency help arrives.\n\n## What Affects Body Temperature Readings?\nAs mentioned above, age, temperature measurement site, and the time of day factor into your normal body temperature. Sex also plays a role. People assigned female at birth tend to have higher temperatures. This also fluctuates during their menstrual cycle, [ovulation](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/basal-body-temperature-5210908), and pregnancy.\n\nOther factors include:\n\n- Physical activity\n- Stress or other strong emotions\n- When you eat\n- Heavy clothing or blankets\n- Hot or humid environments\n- Health conditions, including [hypothyroidism](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hypothyroidism-4013991), [autoimmune disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/autoimmune-diseases-overview-3232654), and some types of [cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/more-cancer-types-4158486)\n- [Immunization](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/vaccines-4013434) (children may respond with a low-grade fever)\n- [Teething](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-to-do-when-your-child-is-not-eating-anything-1323965) (elevated temperature, not usually higher than 100)\n- Some medications\n\n### A Word From Verywell\nCauses of fever can be as benign as having the flu or something more serious. Most, but not all, fevers are caused by bacterial infections and are usually treated successfully with antibiotic therapy. Viral and fungal infections can also cause a fever and may require anti-viral or anti-fungal therapy. Fever caused by infection, if not adequately treated, can sometimes turn into a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Therefore, all fevers should be properly identified and treated to prevent worse outcomes.\n\n—  [KASHIF J. PIRACHA, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/kashif-j-piracha-md-4796466)\n\n![Kashif J. Piracha, MD]()\n\n![Kashif J. Piracha, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/PRvz1MPBFi5-0kakEdA0YWmiTUw=\/112x112\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/KashifJ.Piracha-786d1985d3f54b5c99910c736a41a7bf.png)\n\nRead more:\n\n- [Health A-Z](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/health-a-z-4014770)\n- [Cold & Flu](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/cold-flu-overview-4581986)\n\n19 Sources\n\nVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.\n\n1. National Library of Medicine (NIH). [Fever](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/003090.htm).\n2. National Library of Medicine (NIH). [Body temperature norms](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/001982.htm).\n3. Harvard Health Publishing. [Time to redefine normal body temperature](https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/blog\/time-to-redefine-normal-body-temperature-2020031319173)?\n4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. [Fever](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/fever).\n5. Chiocca, EM. [Normal vital signs in infants, children, and adolescents](https:\/\/connect.springerpub.com\/content\/book\/978-0-8261-5021-9\/back-matter\/bmatter1)*. Advanced Pediatric Assessment* 3rd Edition. Springer;2019:578\n6. Geneva II, Cuzzo B, Fazili T, Javaid W. [Normal body temperature: A systematic review](https:\/\/www.doi.org\/10.1093\/ofid\/ofz032). *Open Forum Infectious Diseases*. 2019;6(4). doi:10.1093\/ofid\/ofz032\n7. UpToDate. [Patient education: Fever in children (beyond the basics)](https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/fever-in-children-beyond-the-basics).\n8. American Academy of Pediatrics. [Is a temperature ever normal](https:\/\/publications.aap.org\/aapnews\/news\/11600)?\n9. Wise J. [Rectal thermometer should be used for accurate temperature reading, analysis finds](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1136\/bmj.h6125). *BMJ*. 2015;351:h6125. doi: 10.1136\/bmj.h6125\n10. Kaiser Permanente. [Fever temperatures: Accuracy and comparison](https:\/\/healthy.kaiserpermanente.org\/health-wellness\/health-encyclopedia\/he.fever-temperatures-accuracy-and-comparison.tw9223).\n11. Mily S, Akter K, Jabin N, et al. [COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: A review](https:\/\/www.doi.org\/10.2174\/1871526522666220105111358). *Infect Disord Drug Targets*. 2022;9(9):4536-4540. doi: 10.2174\/187152652266622010511135\n12. Waller DK, Hashmi SS, Hoyt AT, et al. [Maternal report of fever from cold or flu during early pregnancy and the risk for noncardiac birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2011](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/bdr2.1147). *Birth Defects Res*. 2018;110(4):342-351. doi:10.1002\/bdr2.1147\n13. National Library of Medicine (NIH) National Center for Biotechnology Information. [How is body temperature regulated and what is fever](https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK279457\/)?\n14. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. [Reporting: Symptom definitions](https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/port-health\/php\/definitions-symptoms-reportable-illness).\n15. Zafren K. [Accidental hypothermia in adults: Clinical manifestations and evaluation](https:\/\/www.uptodate.com\/contents\/accidental-hypothermia-in-adults-clinical-manifestations-and-evaluation). *UpToDate*.\n16. Penn Medicine. [Hypothermia](https:\/\/www.pennmedicine.org\/for-patients-and-visitors\/patient-information\/conditions-treated-a-to-z\/hypothermia).\n17. Perry MC, Yaeger SK, Noorbakhsh K, Cruz AT, Hickey RW. [Hypothermia in Young Infants: Frequency and Yield of Sepsis Workup](https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1097\/pec.0000000000001674). *Pediatr Emerg Care*. 2021 Aug 1;37(8):e449-e455. doi:10.1097\/PEC.0000000000001674.\n18. American Red Cross. [Hypothermia](https:\/\/www.redcross.org\/take-a-class\/resources\/learn-first-aid\/hypothermia).\n19. MedlinePlus. [Pregnancy - identifying fertile days](https:\/\/medlineplus.gov\/ency\/article\/007015.htm).\n\n![Brandi Jones MSN-Ed, RN-BC]()\n\n![Brandi Jones MSN-Ed, RN-BC](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/9bgQT02dFKl5SSjBR4YFuPljgwU=\/144x144\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/ProfilePictureVerywell-382fc2934d094ccca87fb8df24aff298.jpg)\n\nBy [Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/brandi-jones-5193745)   \n Jones is a registered nurse and freelance health writer with more than two decades of healthcare experience.\n\n[See Our Editorial Process](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/verywell-editorial-process-4777042)\n\n[Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003)\n\nShare Feedback\n\nWas this page helpful?\n\nThanks for your feedback\\!\n\nWhat is your feedback?\n\nHelpful\n\nReport an Error\n\nOther\n\nRelated Articles\n\n[![A parent reads a child's temperature on a digital thermometer.]() ![A parent reads a child's temperature on a digital thermometer.](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/QAUAWC3UCtbfm-ItLdYtYUO4iHw=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/fever-GettyImages-605764583-7d9de1bdc27c4d259e1aa6407557cf75.jpg) Fever: What’s Considered Low, High, and Possibly Serious?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/fever-8685009)\n\n[![Thermometer]() ![Thermometer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/BiHQh0kM2yUdfcqpciR50jGhr-c=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-163394299-56818d835f9b586a9eea513e.jpg) How to Use a Thermometer to Check for Fever](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/how-to-use-a-thermometer-to-check-for-fever-770610)\n\n[![Man on the phone looking at a thermometer with his sick family in the room]() ![Man on the phone looking at a thermometer with his sick family in the room](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/fu2Ee7Dau9G8DnmJGaX_VOwOqkw=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/GettyImages-98472188-56819c613df78ccc15b430c4.jpg) When Is a Fever Too High?](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/when-is-a-fever-too-high-770347)\n\n[![Flu aches and pains]() ![Flu aches and pains](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/KuWTiaPeyEN1A0bXuIinE4P0Bhw=\/400x250\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/82255260-56a179f23df78cf7726b06ac.jpg) Sick and Achy? 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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.\n\nⒸ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved\n\nVerywell Health is part of the [People Inc.](https:\/\/www.people.inc\/) publishing family.","attrs_readable_markdown":"### Key Takeaways\n- Normal body temperature for adults ranges from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit.\n- Different body parts are used to measure body temperature, and the rectal method is the most accurate.\n- A fever is when your body temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.\n\nThe human body's normal temperature was long considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal adult body temperatures actually range from 97 to 99 F. Plus, there's some evidence to suggest normal temperature has decreased over time and is closer to 97.9 F.\n\nYour temperature can fluctuate and vary based on your age and the method used to measure your temperature. A [fever](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/fever-8685009) is when your body temperature is higher than normal. Most healthcare providers consider a fever to be at 100.4 or higher.\n\nIllustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health\n\nThe average human body temperature is 98.6 F (or 37 degrees Celsius). However, this is just an average and varies among people. Several factors can affect body temperature, including age, sex, and where on your body you take it.\n\nAcross a person's lifespan, healthy, normal body temperature ranges in degrees Fahrenheit from 96 to 99.9.\n\n### Infants and Children\nA baby or child’s normal temperature varies based on age as follows:\n\n- **Preterm newborns**: 97.7–98.6 F\n- **Term newborns**: 97.2–99.9 F\n- **Babies less than 6 months old**: 97.2–99.4 F\n- **6–12 months**: 96–99.7 F\n- **1–13 years**: 95.9–99 F\n### Adults\nThe normalbody temperature range for teens and adults is 97–99 F. People over age 60 have slightly lower temperatures than those younger than 60.\n\n## Different Ways to Measure Body Temperature\nBody temperature varies depending on where you measure it on your body.\n\nCentral sites include the [rectum](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/take-a-rectal-temperature-1298382) (anus) and are typically used for young infants or severely ill individuals due to their invasiveness. An internal [Foley catheter](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-a-foley-catheter-3157319) with a sensor can also approximate core temperature, but urine measured outside the body is cooler.\n\nPeripheral sites, like oral (mouth), axillary (armpit), temporal (forehead), or tympanic (ear), are influenced by the environment and slightly less accurate. However, they are easier and more practical for everyday use.\n\n### Oral\nOral temperatures are taken in the mouth. The room temperature, hot or cold liquids, and probe placement can influence oral temperatures. One study showed a variation of 3.6 degrees between oral and rectal temperatures. Normal and average oral temperatures are as follows:\n\n- Normal range: 96.3–99.3 F\n- Average: 97.8 F\n### Tympanic\nTympanic thermometers, used in the ear, are quick and easy to operate. Temperature readings might differ slightly between ears and compared to rectal measurements:\n\n- Normal range: 96.4–99.5 F\n- Average: 97.9 F\n### Axillary\nAxillary temperatures are measured under the arm. These readings can be influenced by external conditions and can differ from rectal temperatures. Normal and average axillary temperatures are as follows:\n\n- Normal range: 95.1–98.4 F\n- Average: 96.7 F\n### Rectal\nRectal temperature readings, taken in the anus, most accurately reflect core body temperature. They're usually about 1 degree higher than oral temperatures. Healthcare providers often use rectal measurements for babies under 3 months old:\n\n- Normal range: 97.3–99.9 F\n- Average: 98.6 F\n### Forehead\nTemporal (forehead) temperatures can be measured quickly and easily. Temporal thermometers measure infrared heat waves coming off the temporal artery located in the forehead. However, a forehead temperature is often 0.5 F to 1 F lower than an oral temperature.\n\n### Fever During Pregnancy\nIt’s normal to have a slightly elevated temperature during [pregnancy](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/pregnancy-facts-and-statistics-5324188). But, you should report a fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees) to your healthcare provider. A fever could indicate an illness such as the flu or COVID-19. Your healthcare provider may want to order tests, prescribe medications, or monitor you carefully.\n## High Body Temperature (Fever)\nA fever occurs when your body temperature is higher than normal and is usually a response to a disease or illness. Fevers aregraded as mild, high, and very high as follows:\n\n- Elevated body temperature: 99.5–100.4 F\n- Low-grade fever: 100.4 F or higher\n- [High-grade fever](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/when-is-a-fever-too-high-770347): 103 F\n- Very high or dangerous: Above 105 F\n\nThe following is how a fever is defined in childrenbased on where the temperature is taken:\n\n- **Rectal**: Above 100.4 F\n- **Oral**: Above 99.5 F\n- **Axillary**: Above 99 F\n\nGuidelines for seeking medical attention, based on age, are as follows:\n\n- **3 months or younger:** Rectal temperature over 100.4 F\n- **3–12 months**: 102.2 F or higher\n- **12 months to 2 years**: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever that lasts longer than 24–48 hours\n- **2 years and older**: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever lasting longer than 48–72 hours\n\nThe following guidelines for seeking medical attention for a fever apply to any age, including adults:\n\n- An elevated temperature that comes and goes for a week or more, even if it’s not considered a fever\n- Other symptoms of illness, along with the fever\n- People with any grade of fever who have had an organ transplant or a serious medical illness\n- Those who have recently traveled to another country\n\n### When Is a Fever Considered a Medical Emergency?\nIn children ages 1 year or older, seek emergency medical attention for a fever rising above 103 degrees despite treatment. Getting medical attention before temperatures reach 105 degrees is crucial because it becomes more dangerous after 105. Treating temperatures before they reach 105 typically leads to better outcomes.\n### Symptoms of Fever\nSymptoms of a fever can be constant or intermittent (come and go). They include:\n\n- Feeling warm or hot\n- Skin warm to touch\n- Flushed face\n- [Tired eyes](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/do-you-suffer-from-asthenopia-or-tired-eyes-3421982)\n- Chills\n\nIf the following symptoms occur along with a fever, they could indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention:\n\n- [Malaise](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-is-post-exertional-malaise-716023) (generally feeling unwell), especially if occurring with a fever\n- Decreased urine output or dark urine\n- Persistent nausea or vomiting\n- Persistent constipation or diarrhea\n- Headache\n- Aching\n- Confusion\n- Stiff neck\n- Fever that has persisted for more than 48 hours\n\nRegardless of their body temperature, the following signs and symptoms indicate an infant, child, or nonverbal adult should receive medical attention:\n\n- Behavioral changes (such as being less alert, not smiling, not playing, prolonged extreme fussiness or agitation)\n- Decreased appetite or refusing food\n- Abnormal skin color\n- Decreased urine output\n- Changes in bowel pattern\n- Breathing difficulties\n- Passing out\n- [Seizures](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/shakes-and-seizures-2634654)\n### Treating a Fever at Home\nThese remedies may help treat a fever at home:\n\n- Drink plenty of fluids, including water, ice pops, soup, and gelatin.\n- Take over-the-counter (OTC) fever-reducing medications such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen).\n- Place a cool towel under the arms, behind the neck, and on the forehead.\n- Take a lukewarm (not hot, but not overly cold) bath.\n- Keep the room temperature comfortable, not overly hot or cool.\n- Remove excess clothing or blankets.\n\nThe following are safety considerations when treating a fever at home:\n\n- Avoid giving medications to infants 3 months or younger before calling your child's provider.\n- Do not use ibuprofen in children 6 months or younger.\n- Do not give aspirin to a child unless your child's provider tells you to. It can cause a serious illness called [Reye's syndrome](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/reyes-syndrome-2861001).\n- Avoid bundling with multiple blankets or jackets, even if you, another adult, or a child has the chills.\n- Do not use cold baths, ice, or alcohol baths as they can cause shivering and increase core body temperature, which can be dangerous. Lukewarm baths are fine and helpful.\n- Avoid too much sugar when taking in fluids.\n- Do not force food on someone who is refusing it.\n## Low Body Temperature (Hypothermia)\nWhile people often are concerned with elevated temperatures and fevers, it’s important to note that [low body temperatures](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/low-body-temperature-5215488) could also be just as concerning. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if left untreated.\n\nHypothermia may be categorized into three stages:\n\n- Mild hypothermia: 90–95 F\n- Moderate hypothermia: 82–90 F\n- Severe hypothermia: Lower than 82 F\n\nCommon causes of hypothermia include:\n\n- Being in cold environments without enough protective clothing\n- Falling into a cold body of water\n- Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather\n\nA low body temperature in young infants can also be caused by a serious illness called [sepsis](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/sepsis-and-septic-shock-diagnosis-and-treatment-3156827). A rectal temperature is the most accurate for infants younger than 3 months old.\n\n### Symptoms of Hypothermia\nSymptoms of hypothermia include:\n\n- Confusion\n- Drowsiness\n- Pale and cold to touch\n- Slowed breathing\n- Slowed heart rates\n- Shivering (then lack of shivering)\n- Weakness and loss of coordination\n- Stiff body with rigid muscles\n### Treating Hypothermia at Home\nIf you suspect someone has hypothermia, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. While you wait for help to arrive, you can take the following steps to warm the person slowly:\n\n- Move the person to a warm room if you are outdoors.\n- Remove any wet clothing and replace them with dry clothing (including socks, gloves, and hat).\n- Use a warming blanket or warm compresses on the neck, chest, and groin. You can use skin-to-skin contact under loose blankets.\n- If the person is alert, offer small sips of a warm liquid, such as water or broth. Avoid alcohol and caffeine.\n\nIf a person is unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR until emergency help arrives.\n\n## What Affects Body Temperature Readings?\nAs mentioned above, age, temperature measurement site, and the time of day factor into your normal body temperature. Sex also plays a role. People assigned female at birth tend to have higher temperatures. This also fluctuates during their menstrual cycle, [ovulation](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/basal-body-temperature-5210908), and pregnancy.\n\nOther factors include:\n\n- Physical activity\n- Stress or other strong emotions\n- When you eat\n- Heavy clothing or blankets\n- Hot or humid environments\n- Health conditions, including [hypothyroidism](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/hypothyroidism-4013991), [autoimmune disorders](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/autoimmune-diseases-overview-3232654), and some types of [cancer](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/more-cancer-types-4158486)\n- [Immunization](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/vaccines-4013434) (children may respond with a low-grade fever)\n- [Teething](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/what-to-do-when-your-child-is-not-eating-anything-1323965) (elevated temperature, not usually higher than 100)\n- Some medications\n\n### A Word From Verywell\nCauses of fever can be as benign as having the flu or something more serious. Most, but not all, fevers are caused by bacterial infections and are usually treated successfully with antibiotic therapy. Viral and fungal infections can also cause a fever and may require anti-viral or anti-fungal therapy. Fever caused by infection, if not adequately treated, can sometimes turn into a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Therefore, all fevers should be properly identified and treated to prevent worse outcomes.\n\n![Kashif J. Piracha, MD](https:\/\/www.verywellhealth.com\/thmb\/PRvz1MPBFi5-0kakEdA0YWmiTUw=\/112x112\/filters:no_upscale\\(\\):max_bytes\\(150000\\):strip_icc\\(\\)\/KashifJ.Piracha-786d1985d3f54b5c99910c736a41a7bf.png)","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Key Takeaways Normal body temperature for adults ranges from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. Different body parts are used to measure body temperature, and the rectal method is the most accurate. A fever is when your body temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The human body's normal temperature was long considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal adult body temperatures actually range from 97 to 99 F. Plus, there's some evidence to suggest normal temperature has decreased over time and is closer to 97.9 F. Your temperature can fluctuate and vary based on your age and the method used to measure your temperature. A fever is when your body temperature is higher than normal. Most healthcare providers consider a fever to be at 100.4 or higher. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health The average human body temperature is 98.6 F (or 37 degrees Celsius). However, this is just an average and varies among people. Several factors can affect body temperature, including age, sex, and where on your body you take it. Across a person's lifespan, healthy, normal body temperature ranges in degrees Fahrenheit from 96 to 99.9. Infants and Children A baby or child’s normal temperature varies based on age as follows: Preterm newborns : 97.7–98.6 F Term newborns : 97.2–99.9 F Babies less than 6 months old : 97.2–99.4 F 6–12 months : 96–99.7 F 1–13 years : 95.9–99 F Adults The normal body temperature range for teens and adults is 97–99 F. People over age 60 have slightly lower temperatures than those younger than 60. Different Ways to Measure Body Temperature Body temperature varies depending on where you measure it on your body. Central sites include the rectum (anus) and are typically used for young infants or severely ill individuals due to their invasiveness. An internal Foley catheter with a sensor can also approximate core temperature, but urine measured outside the body is cooler. Peripheral sites, like oral (mouth), axillary (armpit), temporal (forehead), or tympanic (ear), are influenced by the environment and slightly less accurate. However, they are easier and more practical for everyday use. Oral Oral temperatures are taken in the mouth. The room temperature, hot or cold liquids, and probe placement can influence oral temperatures. One study showed a variation of 3.6 degrees between oral and rectal temperatures. Normal and average oral temperatures are as follows: Normal range: 96.3–99.3 F Average: 97.8 F Tympanic Tympanic thermometers, used in the ear, are quick and easy to operate. Temperature readings might differ slightly between ears and compared to rectal measurements: Normal range: 96.4–99.5 F Average: 97.9 F Axillary Axillary temperatures are measured under the arm. These readings can be influenced by external conditions and can differ from rectal temperatures. Normal and average axillary temperatures are as follows: Normal range: 95.1–98.4 F Average: 96.7 F Rectal Rectal temperature readings, taken in the anus, most accurately reflect core body temperature. They're usually about 1 degree higher than oral temperatures. Healthcare providers often use rectal measurements for babies under 3 months old: Normal range: 97.3–99.9 F Average: 98.6 F Forehead Temporal (forehead) temperatures can be measured quickly and easily. Temporal thermometers measure infrared heat waves coming off the temporal artery located in the forehead. However, a forehead temperature is often 0.5 F to 1 F lower than an oral temperature. Fever During Pregnancy It’s normal to have a slightly elevated temperature during pregnancy . But, you should report a fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees) to your healthcare provider. A fever could indicate an illness such as the flu or COVID-19. Your healthcare provider may want to order tests, prescribe medications, or monitor you carefully. High Body Temperature (Fever) A fever occurs when your body temperature is higher than normal and is usually a response to a disease or illness. Fevers are graded as mild, high, and very high as follows: Elevated body temperature: 99.5–100.4 F Low-grade fever: 100.4 F or higher High-grade fever : 103 F Very high or dangerous: Above 105 F The following is how a fever is defined in children based on where the temperature is taken: Rectal : Above 100.4 F Oral : Above 99.5 F Axillary : Above 99 F Guidelines for seeking medical attention, based on age, are as follows: 3 months or younger: Rectal temperature over 100.4 F 3–12 months : 102.2 F or higher 12 months to 2 years : 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever that lasts longer than 24–48 hours 2 years and older : 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever lasting longer than 48–72 hours The following guidelines for seeking medical attention for a fever apply to any age, including adults: An elevated temperature that comes and goes for a week or more, even if it’s not considered a fever Other symptoms of illness, along with the fever People with any grade of fever who have had an organ transplant or a serious medical illness Those who have recently traveled to another country When Is a Fever Considered a Medical Emergency? In children ages 1 year or older, seek emergency medical attention for a fever rising above 103 degrees despite treatment. Getting medical attention before temperatures reach 105 degrees is crucial because it becomes more dangerous after 105. Treating temperatures before they reach 105 typically leads to better outcomes. Symptoms of Fever Symptoms of a fever can be constant or intermittent (come and go). They include: Feeling warm or hot Skin warm to touch Flushed face Tired eyes Chills If the following symptoms occur along with a fever, they could indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention: Malaise (generally feeling unwell), especially if occurring with a fever Decreased urine output or dark urine Persistent nausea or vomiting Persistent constipation or diarrhea Headache Aching Confusion Stiff neck Fever that has persisted for more than 48 hours Regardless of their body temperature, the following signs and symptoms indicate an infant, child, or nonverbal adult should receive medical attention: Behavioral changes (such as being less alert, not smiling, not playing, prolonged extreme fussiness or agitation) Decreased appetite or refusing food Abnormal skin color Decreased urine output Changes in bowel pattern Breathing difficulties Passing out Seizures Treating a Fever at Home These remedies may help treat a fever at home: Drink plenty of fluids, including water, ice pops, soup, and gelatin. Take over-the-counter (OTC) fever-reducing medications such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). Place a cool towel under the arms, behind the neck, and on the forehead. Take a lukewarm (not hot, but not overly cold) bath. Keep the room temperature comfortable, not overly hot or cool. Remove excess clothing or blankets. The following are safety considerations when treating a fever at home: Avoid giving medications to infants 3 months or younger before calling your child's provider. Do not use ibuprofen in children 6 months or younger. Do not give aspirin to a child unless your child's provider tells you to. It can cause a serious illness called Reye's syndrome . Avoid bundling with multiple blankets or jackets, even if you, another adult, or a child has the chills. Do not use cold baths, ice, or alcohol baths as they can cause shivering and increase core body temperature, which can be dangerous. Lukewarm baths are fine and helpful. Avoid too much sugar when taking in fluids. Do not force food on someone who is refusing it. Low Body Temperature (Hypothermia) While people often are concerned with elevated temperatures and fevers, it’s important to note that low body temperatures could also be just as concerning. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if left untreated. Hypothermia may be categorized into three stages: Mild hypothermia: 90–95 F Moderate hypothermia: 82–90 F Severe hypothermia: Lower than 82 F Common causes of hypothermia include: Being in cold environments without enough protective clothing Falling into a cold body of water Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather A low body temperature in young infants can also be caused by a serious illness called sepsis . A rectal temperature is the most accurate for infants younger than 3 months old. Symptoms of Hypothermia Symptoms of hypothermia include: Confusion Drowsiness Pale and cold to touch Slowed breathing Slowed heart rates Shivering (then lack of shivering) Weakness and loss of coordination Stiff body with rigid muscles Treating Hypothermia at Home If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. While you wait for help to arrive, you can take the following steps to warm the person slowly: Move the person to a warm room if you are outdoors. Remove any wet clothing and replace them with dry clothing (including socks, gloves, and hat). Use a warming blanket or warm compresses on the neck, chest, and groin. You can use skin-to-skin contact under loose blankets. If the person is alert, offer small sips of a warm liquid, such as water or broth. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. If a person is unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR until emergency help arrives. What Affects Body Temperature Readings? As mentioned above, age, temperature measurement site, and the time of day factor into your normal body temperature. Sex also plays a role. People assigned female at birth tend to have higher temperatures. This also fluctuates during their menstrual cycle, ovulation , and pregnancy. Other factors include: Physical activity Stress or other strong emotions When you eat Heavy clothing or blankets Hot or humid environments Health conditions, including hypothyroidism , autoimmune disorders , and some types of cancer Immunization (children may respond with a low-grade fever) Teething (elevated temperature, not usually higher than 100) Some medications A Word From Verywell Causes of fever can be as benign as having the flu or something more serious. Most, but not all, fevers are caused by bacterial infections and are usually treated successfully with antibiotic therapy. Viral and fungal infections can also cause a fever and may require anti-viral or anti-fungal therapy. Fever caused by infection, if not adequately treated, can sometimes turn into a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Therefore, all fevers should be properly identified and treated to prevent worse outcomes.
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Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Ⓒ 2026 People Inc. — All rights reserved # Normal Body Temperature: What Is Considered High or Low? By [Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC](https://www.verywellhealth.com/brandi-jones-5193745) Updated on March 31, 2026 Medically reviewed by [Michael Menna, DO](https://www.verywellhealth.com/michael-menna-do-4774741) Table of Contents View All Table of Contents - [Is 98.6 Normal?](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-normal-body-temperature-range) - [Temps by Method](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-different-ways-to-measure-body-temperature) - [What's a Fever?](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-high-body-temperature-fever) - [Low Body Temp](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-low-body-temperature-hypothermia) - [Factors in Normal Readings](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-normal-body-temperature-6890498#toc-what-affects-body-temperature-readings) ### Key Takeaways - Normal body temperature for adults ranges from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. - Different body parts are used to measure body temperature, and the rectal method is the most accurate. - A fever is when your body temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The human body's normal temperature was long considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal adult body temperatures actually range from 97 to 99 F. Plus, there's some evidence to suggest normal temperature has decreased over time and is closer to 97.9 F. Your temperature can fluctuate and vary based on your age and the method used to measure your temperature. A [fever](https://www.verywellhealth.com/fever-8685009) is when your body temperature is higher than normal. Most healthcare providers consider a fever to be at 100.4 or higher. ![Several people exhibiting symptoms of fever and a digital thermometer with a reading of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.]() ![Several people exhibiting symptoms of fever and a digital thermometer with a reading of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/xihHs63Rsho_zgFxo5IsAdo4qLo=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/VWH-MichelaButtignol-WhatIsNormalBodyTemperature-4000x2700-621a05f09c5e41ea800e95f425123789.png) Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health ## Normal Body Temperature Range The average human body temperature is 98.6 F (or 37 degrees Celsius). However, this is just an average and varies among people. Several factors can affect body temperature, including age, sex, and where on your body you take it. Across a person's lifespan, healthy, normal body temperature ranges in degrees Fahrenheit from 96 to 99.9. ### Infants and Children A baby or child’s normal temperature varies based on age as follows: - Preterm newborns: 97.7–98.6 F - Term newborns: 97.2–99.9 F - Babies less than 6 months old: 97.2–99.4 F - 6–12 months: 96–99.7 F - 1–13 years: 95.9–99 F ### Adults The normalbody temperature range for teens and adults is 97–99 F. People over age 60 have slightly lower temperatures than those younger than 60. ## Different Ways to Measure Body Temperature Body temperature varies depending on where you measure it on your body. Central sites include the [rectum](https://www.verywellhealth.com/take-a-rectal-temperature-1298382) (anus) and are typically used for young infants or severely ill individuals due to their invasiveness. An internal [Foley catheter](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-foley-catheter-3157319) with a sensor can also approximate core temperature, but urine measured outside the body is cooler. Peripheral sites, like oral (mouth), axillary (armpit), temporal (forehead), or tympanic (ear), are influenced by the environment and slightly less accurate. However, they are easier and more practical for everyday use. ### Oral Oral temperatures are taken in the mouth. The room temperature, hot or cold liquids, and probe placement can influence oral temperatures. One study showed a variation of 3.6 degrees between oral and rectal temperatures. Normal and average oral temperatures are as follows: - Normal range: 96.3–99.3 F - Average: 97.8 F ### Tympanic Tympanic thermometers, used in the ear, are quick and easy to operate. Temperature readings might differ slightly between ears and compared to rectal measurements: - Normal range: 96.4–99.5 F - Average: 97.9 F ### Axillary Axillary temperatures are measured under the arm. These readings can be influenced by external conditions and can differ from rectal temperatures. Normal and average axillary temperatures are as follows: - Normal range: 95.1–98.4 F - Average: 96.7 F ### Rectal Rectal temperature readings, taken in the anus, most accurately reflect core body temperature. They're usually about 1 degree higher than oral temperatures. Healthcare providers often use rectal measurements for babies under 3 months old: - Normal range: 97.3–99.9 F - Average: 98.6 F ### Forehead Temporal (forehead) temperatures can be measured quickly and easily. Temporal thermometers measure infrared heat waves coming off the temporal artery located in the forehead. However, a forehead temperature is often 0.5 F to 1 F lower than an oral temperature. ### Fever During Pregnancy It’s normal to have a slightly elevated temperature during [pregnancy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/pregnancy-facts-and-statistics-5324188). But, you should report a fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees) to your healthcare provider. A fever could indicate an illness such as the flu or COVID-19. Your healthcare provider may want to order tests, prescribe medications, or monitor you carefully. ## High Body Temperature (Fever) A fever occurs when your body temperature is higher than normal and is usually a response to a disease or illness. Fevers aregraded as mild, high, and very high as follows: - Elevated body temperature: 99.5–100.4 F - Low-grade fever: 100.4 F or higher - [High-grade fever](https://www.verywellhealth.com/when-is-a-fever-too-high-770347): 103 F - Very high or dangerous: Above 105 F The following is how a fever is defined in childrenbased on where the temperature is taken: - Rectal: Above 100.4 F - Oral: Above 99.5 F - Axillary: Above 99 F Guidelines for seeking medical attention, based on age, are as follows: - 3 months or younger: Rectal temperature over 100.4 F - 3–12 months: 102.2 F or higher - 12 months to 2 years: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever that lasts longer than 24–48 hours - 2 years and older: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever lasting longer than 48–72 hours The following guidelines for seeking medical attention for a fever apply to any age, including adults: - An elevated temperature that comes and goes for a week or more, even if it’s not considered a fever - Other symptoms of illness, along with the fever - People with any grade of fever who have had an organ transplant or a serious medical illness - Those who have recently traveled to another country ### When Is a Fever Considered a Medical Emergency? In children ages 1 year or older, seek emergency medical attention for a fever rising above 103 degrees despite treatment. Getting medical attention before temperatures reach 105 degrees is crucial because it becomes more dangerous after 105. Treating temperatures before they reach 105 typically leads to better outcomes. ### Symptoms of Fever Symptoms of a fever can be constant or intermittent (come and go). They include: - Feeling warm or hot - Skin warm to touch - Flushed face - [Tired eyes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-you-suffer-from-asthenopia-or-tired-eyes-3421982) - Chills If the following symptoms occur along with a fever, they could indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention: - [Malaise](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-post-exertional-malaise-716023) (generally feeling unwell), especially if occurring with a fever - Decreased urine output or dark urine - Persistent nausea or vomiting - Persistent constipation or diarrhea - Headache - Aching - Confusion - Stiff neck - Fever that has persisted for more than 48 hours Regardless of their body temperature, the following signs and symptoms indicate an infant, child, or nonverbal adult should receive medical attention: - Behavioral changes (such as being less alert, not smiling, not playing, prolonged extreme fussiness or agitation) - Decreased appetite or refusing food - Abnormal skin color - Decreased urine output - Changes in bowel pattern - Breathing difficulties - Passing out - [Seizures](https://www.verywellhealth.com/shakes-and-seizures-2634654) ### Treating a Fever at Home These remedies may help treat a fever at home: - Drink plenty of fluids, including water, ice pops, soup, and gelatin. - Take over-the-counter (OTC) fever-reducing medications such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). - Place a cool towel under the arms, behind the neck, and on the forehead. - Take a lukewarm (not hot, but not overly cold) bath. - Keep the room temperature comfortable, not overly hot or cool. - Remove excess clothing or blankets. The following are safety considerations when treating a fever at home: - Avoid giving medications to infants 3 months or younger before calling your child's provider. - Do not use ibuprofen in children 6 months or younger. - Do not give aspirin to a child unless your child's provider tells you to. It can cause a serious illness called [Reye's syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/reyes-syndrome-2861001). - Avoid bundling with multiple blankets or jackets, even if you, another adult, or a child has the chills. - Do not use cold baths, ice, or alcohol baths as they can cause shivering and increase core body temperature, which can be dangerous. Lukewarm baths are fine and helpful. - Avoid too much sugar when taking in fluids. - Do not force food on someone who is refusing it. ## Low Body Temperature (Hypothermia) While people often are concerned with elevated temperatures and fevers, it’s important to note that [low body temperatures](https://www.verywellhealth.com/low-body-temperature-5215488) could also be just as concerning. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if left untreated. Hypothermia may be categorized into three stages: - Mild hypothermia: 90–95 F - Moderate hypothermia: 82–90 F - Severe hypothermia: Lower than 82 F Common causes of hypothermia include: - Being in cold environments without enough protective clothing - Falling into a cold body of water - Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather A low body temperature in young infants can also be caused by a serious illness called [sepsis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sepsis-and-septic-shock-diagnosis-and-treatment-3156827). A rectal temperature is the most accurate for infants younger than 3 months old. ### Symptoms of Hypothermia Symptoms of hypothermia include: - Confusion - Drowsiness - Pale and cold to touch - Slowed breathing - Slowed heart rates - Shivering (then lack of shivering) - Weakness and loss of coordination - Stiff body with rigid muscles ### Treating Hypothermia at Home If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. While you wait for help to arrive, you can take the following steps to warm the person slowly: - Move the person to a warm room if you are outdoors. - Remove any wet clothing and replace them with dry clothing (including socks, gloves, and hat). - Use a warming blanket or warm compresses on the neck, chest, and groin. You can use skin-to-skin contact under loose blankets. - If the person is alert, offer small sips of a warm liquid, such as water or broth. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. If a person is unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR until emergency help arrives. ## What Affects Body Temperature Readings? As mentioned above, age, temperature measurement site, and the time of day factor into your normal body temperature. Sex also plays a role. People assigned female at birth tend to have higher temperatures. This also fluctuates during their menstrual cycle, [ovulation](https://www.verywellhealth.com/basal-body-temperature-5210908), and pregnancy. Other factors include: - Physical activity - Stress or other strong emotions - When you eat - Heavy clothing or blankets - Hot or humid environments - Health conditions, including [hypothyroidism](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypothyroidism-4013991), [autoimmune disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/autoimmune-diseases-overview-3232654), and some types of [cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/more-cancer-types-4158486) - [Immunization](https://www.verywellhealth.com/vaccines-4013434) (children may respond with a low-grade fever) - [Teething](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-do-when-your-child-is-not-eating-anything-1323965) (elevated temperature, not usually higher than 100) - Some medications ### A Word From Verywell Causes of fever can be as benign as having the flu or something more serious. Most, but not all, fevers are caused by bacterial infections and are usually treated successfully with antibiotic therapy. Viral and fungal infections can also cause a fever and may require anti-viral or anti-fungal therapy. Fever caused by infection, if not adequately treated, can sometimes turn into a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Therefore, all fevers should be properly identified and treated to prevent worse outcomes. — [KASHIF J. PIRACHA, MD, MEDICAL EXPERT BOARD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/kashif-j-piracha-md-4796466) ![Kashif J. Piracha, MD]() ![Kashif J. Piracha, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/PRvz1MPBFi5-0kakEdA0YWmiTUw=/112x112/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/KashifJ.Piracha-786d1985d3f54b5c99910c736a41a7bf.png) Read more: - [Health A-Z](https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770) - [Cold & Flu](https://www.verywellhealth.com/cold-flu-overview-4581986) 19 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our [editorial process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. 1. National Library of Medicine (NIH). [Fever](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003090.htm). 2. National Library of Medicine (NIH). [Body temperature norms](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/001982.htm). 3. Harvard Health Publishing. [Time to redefine normal body temperature](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/time-to-redefine-normal-body-temperature-2020031319173)? 4. Johns Hopkins Medicine. [Fever](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/fever). 5. Chiocca, EM. [Normal vital signs in infants, children, and adolescents](https://connect.springerpub.com/content/book/978-0-8261-5021-9/back-matter/bmatter1). Advanced Pediatric Assessment 3rd Edition. Springer;2019:578 6. Geneva II, Cuzzo B, Fazili T, Javaid W. [Normal body temperature: A systematic review](https://www.doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofz032). Open Forum Infectious Diseases. 2019;6(4). doi:10.1093/ofid/ofz032 7. UpToDate. [Patient education: Fever in children (beyond the basics)](https://www.uptodate.com/contents/fever-in-children-beyond-the-basics). 8. American Academy of Pediatrics. [Is a temperature ever normal](https://publications.aap.org/aapnews/news/11600)? 9. Wise J. [Rectal thermometer should be used for accurate temperature reading, analysis finds](https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.h6125). BMJ. 2015;351:h6125. doi: 10.1136/bmj.h6125 10. Kaiser Permanente. [Fever temperatures: Accuracy and comparison](https://healthy.kaiserpermanente.org/health-wellness/health-encyclopedia/he.fever-temperatures-accuracy-and-comparison.tw9223). 11. Mily S, Akter K, Jabin N, et al. [COVID-19 infection in pregnancy: A review](https://www.doi.org/10.2174/1871526522666220105111358). Infect Disord Drug Targets. 2022;9(9):4536-4540. doi: 10.2174/187152652266622010511135 12. Waller DK, Hashmi SS, Hoyt AT, et al. [Maternal report of fever from cold or flu during early pregnancy and the risk for noncardiac birth defects, National Birth Defects Prevention Study, 1997-2011](https://doi.org/10.1002/bdr2.1147). Birth Defects Res. 2018;110(4):342-351. doi:10.1002/bdr2.1147 13. National Library of Medicine (NIH) National Center for Biotechnology Information. [How is body temperature regulated and what is fever](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279457/)? 14. Centers For Disease Control and Prevention. [Reporting: Symptom definitions](https://www.cdc.gov/port-health/php/definitions-symptoms-reportable-illness). 15. Zafren K. [Accidental hypothermia in adults: Clinical manifestations and evaluation](https://www.uptodate.com/contents/accidental-hypothermia-in-adults-clinical-manifestations-and-evaluation). UpToDate. 16. Penn Medicine. [Hypothermia](https://www.pennmedicine.org/for-patients-and-visitors/patient-information/conditions-treated-a-to-z/hypothermia). 17. Perry MC, Yaeger SK, Noorbakhsh K, Cruz AT, Hickey RW. [Hypothermia in Young Infants: Frequency and Yield of Sepsis Workup](https://doi.org/10.1097/pec.0000000000001674). Pediatr Emerg Care. 2021 Aug 1;37(8):e449-e455. doi:10.1097/PEC.0000000000001674. 18. American Red Cross. [Hypothermia](https://www.redcross.org/take-a-class/resources/learn-first-aid/hypothermia). 19. MedlinePlus. [Pregnancy - identifying fertile days](https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007015.htm). ![Brandi Jones MSN-Ed, RN-BC]() ![Brandi Jones MSN-Ed, RN-BC](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/9bgQT02dFKl5SSjBR4YFuPljgwU=/144x144/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/ProfilePictureVerywell-382fc2934d094ccca87fb8df24aff298.jpg) By [Brandi Jones, MSN-ED RN-BC](https://www.verywellhealth.com/brandi-jones-5193745) Jones is a registered nurse and freelance health writer with more than two decades of healthcare experience. [See Our Editorial Process](https://www.verywellhealth.com/verywell-editorial-process-4777042) [Meet Our Medical Expert Board](https://www.verywellhealth.com/meet-our-medical-expert-board-11762003) Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback\! What is your feedback? 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Readable Markdown	### Key Takeaways - Normal body temperature for adults ranges from 97 to 99 degrees Fahrenheit. - Different body parts are used to measure body temperature, and the rectal method is the most accurate. - A fever is when your body temperature is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The human body's normal temperature was long considered to be 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. Normal adult body temperatures actually range from 97 to 99 F. Plus, there's some evidence to suggest normal temperature has decreased over time and is closer to 97.9 F. Your temperature can fluctuate and vary based on your age and the method used to measure your temperature. A [fever](https://www.verywellhealth.com/fever-8685009) is when your body temperature is higher than normal. Most healthcare providers consider a fever to be at 100.4 or higher. Illustration by Michela Buttignol for Verywell Health The average human body temperature is 98.6 F (or 37 degrees Celsius). However, this is just an average and varies among people. Several factors can affect body temperature, including age, sex, and where on your body you take it. Across a person's lifespan, healthy, normal body temperature ranges in degrees Fahrenheit from 96 to 99.9. ### Infants and Children A baby or child’s normal temperature varies based on age as follows: - Preterm newborns: 97.7–98.6 F - Term newborns: 97.2–99.9 F - Babies less than 6 months old: 97.2–99.4 F - 6–12 months: 96–99.7 F - 1–13 years: 95.9–99 F ### Adults The normalbody temperature range for teens and adults is 97–99 F. People over age 60 have slightly lower temperatures than those younger than 60. ## Different Ways to Measure Body Temperature Body temperature varies depending on where you measure it on your body. Central sites include the [rectum](https://www.verywellhealth.com/take-a-rectal-temperature-1298382) (anus) and are typically used for young infants or severely ill individuals due to their invasiveness. An internal [Foley catheter](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-a-foley-catheter-3157319) with a sensor can also approximate core temperature, but urine measured outside the body is cooler. Peripheral sites, like oral (mouth), axillary (armpit), temporal (forehead), or tympanic (ear), are influenced by the environment and slightly less accurate. However, they are easier and more practical for everyday use. ### Oral Oral temperatures are taken in the mouth. The room temperature, hot or cold liquids, and probe placement can influence oral temperatures. One study showed a variation of 3.6 degrees between oral and rectal temperatures. Normal and average oral temperatures are as follows: - Normal range: 96.3–99.3 F - Average: 97.8 F ### Tympanic Tympanic thermometers, used in the ear, are quick and easy to operate. Temperature readings might differ slightly between ears and compared to rectal measurements: - Normal range: 96.4–99.5 F - Average: 97.9 F ### Axillary Axillary temperatures are measured under the arm. These readings can be influenced by external conditions and can differ from rectal temperatures. Normal and average axillary temperatures are as follows: - Normal range: 95.1–98.4 F - Average: 96.7 F ### Rectal Rectal temperature readings, taken in the anus, most accurately reflect core body temperature. They're usually about 1 degree higher than oral temperatures. Healthcare providers often use rectal measurements for babies under 3 months old: - Normal range: 97.3–99.9 F - Average: 98.6 F ### Forehead Temporal (forehead) temperatures can be measured quickly and easily. Temporal thermometers measure infrared heat waves coming off the temporal artery located in the forehead. However, a forehead temperature is often 0.5 F to 1 F lower than an oral temperature. ### Fever During Pregnancy It’s normal to have a slightly elevated temperature during [pregnancy](https://www.verywellhealth.com/pregnancy-facts-and-statistics-5324188). But, you should report a fever (temperature over 100.4 degrees) to your healthcare provider. A fever could indicate an illness such as the flu or COVID-19. Your healthcare provider may want to order tests, prescribe medications, or monitor you carefully. ## High Body Temperature (Fever) A fever occurs when your body temperature is higher than normal and is usually a response to a disease or illness. Fevers aregraded as mild, high, and very high as follows: - Elevated body temperature: 99.5–100.4 F - Low-grade fever: 100.4 F or higher - [High-grade fever](https://www.verywellhealth.com/when-is-a-fever-too-high-770347): 103 F - Very high or dangerous: Above 105 F The following is how a fever is defined in childrenbased on where the temperature is taken: - Rectal: Above 100.4 F - Oral: Above 99.5 F - Axillary: Above 99 F Guidelines for seeking medical attention, based on age, are as follows: - 3 months or younger: Rectal temperature over 100.4 F - 3–12 months: 102.2 F or higher - 12 months to 2 years: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever that lasts longer than 24–48 hours - 2 years and older: 103 F or higher, despite treatment or any fever lasting longer than 48–72 hours The following guidelines for seeking medical attention for a fever apply to any age, including adults: - An elevated temperature that comes and goes for a week or more, even if it’s not considered a fever - Other symptoms of illness, along with the fever - People with any grade of fever who have had an organ transplant or a serious medical illness - Those who have recently traveled to another country ### When Is a Fever Considered a Medical Emergency? In children ages 1 year or older, seek emergency medical attention for a fever rising above 103 degrees despite treatment. Getting medical attention before temperatures reach 105 degrees is crucial because it becomes more dangerous after 105. Treating temperatures before they reach 105 typically leads to better outcomes. ### Symptoms of Fever Symptoms of a fever can be constant or intermittent (come and go). They include: - Feeling warm or hot - Skin warm to touch - Flushed face - [Tired eyes](https://www.verywellhealth.com/do-you-suffer-from-asthenopia-or-tired-eyes-3421982) - Chills If the following symptoms occur along with a fever, they could indicate an underlying health problem that requires medical attention: - [Malaise](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-is-post-exertional-malaise-716023) (generally feeling unwell), especially if occurring with a fever - Decreased urine output or dark urine - Persistent nausea or vomiting - Persistent constipation or diarrhea - Headache - Aching - Confusion - Stiff neck - Fever that has persisted for more than 48 hours Regardless of their body temperature, the following signs and symptoms indicate an infant, child, or nonverbal adult should receive medical attention: - Behavioral changes (such as being less alert, not smiling, not playing, prolonged extreme fussiness or agitation) - Decreased appetite or refusing food - Abnormal skin color - Decreased urine output - Changes in bowel pattern - Breathing difficulties - Passing out - [Seizures](https://www.verywellhealth.com/shakes-and-seizures-2634654) ### Treating a Fever at Home These remedies may help treat a fever at home: - Drink plenty of fluids, including water, ice pops, soup, and gelatin. - Take over-the-counter (OTC) fever-reducing medications such as Advil or Motrin (ibuprofen) or Tylenol (acetaminophen). - Place a cool towel under the arms, behind the neck, and on the forehead. - Take a lukewarm (not hot, but not overly cold) bath. - Keep the room temperature comfortable, not overly hot or cool. - Remove excess clothing or blankets. The following are safety considerations when treating a fever at home: - Avoid giving medications to infants 3 months or younger before calling your child's provider. - Do not use ibuprofen in children 6 months or younger. - Do not give aspirin to a child unless your child's provider tells you to. It can cause a serious illness called [Reye's syndrome](https://www.verywellhealth.com/reyes-syndrome-2861001). - Avoid bundling with multiple blankets or jackets, even if you, another adult, or a child has the chills. - Do not use cold baths, ice, or alcohol baths as they can cause shivering and increase core body temperature, which can be dangerous. Lukewarm baths are fine and helpful. - Avoid too much sugar when taking in fluids. - Do not force food on someone who is refusing it. ## Low Body Temperature (Hypothermia) While people often are concerned with elevated temperatures and fevers, it’s important to note that [low body temperatures](https://www.verywellhealth.com/low-body-temperature-5215488) could also be just as concerning. Hypothermia can be life-threatening if left untreated. Hypothermia may be categorized into three stages: - Mild hypothermia: 90–95 F - Moderate hypothermia: 82–90 F - Severe hypothermia: Lower than 82 F Common causes of hypothermia include: - Being in cold environments without enough protective clothing - Falling into a cold body of water - Heavy exertion, not drinking enough fluids, or not eating enough in cold weather A low body temperature in young infants can also be caused by a serious illness called [sepsis](https://www.verywellhealth.com/sepsis-and-septic-shock-diagnosis-and-treatment-3156827). A rectal temperature is the most accurate for infants younger than 3 months old. ### Symptoms of Hypothermia Symptoms of hypothermia include: - Confusion - Drowsiness - Pale and cold to touch - Slowed breathing - Slowed heart rates - Shivering (then lack of shivering) - Weakness and loss of coordination - Stiff body with rigid muscles ### Treating Hypothermia at Home If you suspect someone has hypothermia, call 911 or seek emergency medical attention. While you wait for help to arrive, you can take the following steps to warm the person slowly: - Move the person to a warm room if you are outdoors. - Remove any wet clothing and replace them with dry clothing (including socks, gloves, and hat). - Use a warming blanket or warm compresses on the neck, chest, and groin. You can use skin-to-skin contact under loose blankets. - If the person is alert, offer small sips of a warm liquid, such as water or broth. Avoid alcohol and caffeine. If a person is unconscious and not breathing, perform CPR until emergency help arrives. ## What Affects Body Temperature Readings? As mentioned above, age, temperature measurement site, and the time of day factor into your normal body temperature. Sex also plays a role. People assigned female at birth tend to have higher temperatures. This also fluctuates during their menstrual cycle, [ovulation](https://www.verywellhealth.com/basal-body-temperature-5210908), and pregnancy. Other factors include: - Physical activity - Stress or other strong emotions - When you eat - Heavy clothing or blankets - Hot or humid environments - Health conditions, including [hypothyroidism](https://www.verywellhealth.com/hypothyroidism-4013991), [autoimmune disorders](https://www.verywellhealth.com/autoimmune-diseases-overview-3232654), and some types of [cancer](https://www.verywellhealth.com/more-cancer-types-4158486) - [Immunization](https://www.verywellhealth.com/vaccines-4013434) (children may respond with a low-grade fever) - [Teething](https://www.verywellhealth.com/what-to-do-when-your-child-is-not-eating-anything-1323965) (elevated temperature, not usually higher than 100) - Some medications ### A Word From Verywell Causes of fever can be as benign as having the flu or something more serious. Most, but not all, fevers are caused by bacterial infections and are usually treated successfully with antibiotic therapy. Viral and fungal infections can also cause a fever and may require anti-viral or anti-fungal therapy. Fever caused by infection, if not adequately treated, can sometimes turn into a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Therefore, all fevers should be properly identified and treated to prevent worse outcomes. ![Kashif J. Piracha, MD](https://www.verywellhealth.com/thmb/PRvz1MPBFi5-0kakEdA0YWmiTUw=/112x112/filters:no_upscale\(\):max_bytes\(150000\):strip_icc\(\)/KashifJ.Piracha-786d1985d3f54b5c99910c736a41a7bf.png)
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