Normal body temperatures differ contingent upon many factors, including an person’s age, sex, and activity levels. Here is all about what’s normal body temperature?
The normal body temperature for an adult is around 98.6°F (37°C), however every person’s pattern body temperature level is slightly unique, and may reliably be a little higher or lower.
In this article, we talk about the normal ranges of temperature for adults, children, and babies. We also consider factors influencing body temperature, and when to call a doctor.
Normal Temperature in Adults
A normal adult body temperature, when taken orally, can go from 97.6–99.6°F, however various sources may give slightly various figures.
In adults, the following temperatures suggest that someone has a fever:
- at least 100.4°F (38°C) is a fever
- above 103.1°F (39.5°C) is a high fever
- above 105.8°F (41°C) is a very high fever
Researchers have investigated the individual differences between individuals’ normal body temperatures. An examination taking a gander at just about 35,500 individuals found that older adults had the lowest temperatures, and African-American ladies had higher temperatures than white men.
They also found that specific ailments can influence an individual’s body temperature. For example, individuals with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) would in general have lower temperatures, while individuals with cancer had higher temperatures.
Also Read: What is A Normal Blood Pressure?
Normal Temperature in Children
A normal body temperature for children aged 3–10 ranges from 95.9–99.5°F when taken orally. Children tend to have similar body temperatures to adults.
Normal Temperature in Babies
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 97.9–100.4°F when taken rectally. Body temperature may rise a little when a baby is teething.
The average body temperature of a newborn is 99.5°F.
A baby’s temperature is higher because they have a larger body surface area relative to their body weight. Their bodies are also more metabolically active, which generates heat.
Babies’ bodies do not regulate temperature as well as adults’ bodies. 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.
Also Read: What is The Most Rarest Blood Type?
Normal Body Temperature Chart
Body temperatures readings vary depending on where on the body a person takes the measurements. Rectal readings are higher than oral readings, while armpit readings tend to be lower.
The table below gives the normal ranges of body temperature for adults and children according to a thermometer manufacturer:
| Type of reading | 0–2 years | 3–10 years | 11–65 years | Over 65 years |
| Oral | 95.9–99.5°F (35.5–37.5°C) | 95.9–99.5°F (35.5–37.5°C) | 97.6–99.6°F (36.4–37.6°C) | 96.4–98.5°F (35.8–36.9°C) |
| Rectal | 97.9–100.4°F (36.6–38°C) | 97.9–100.4°F (36.6–38°C) | 98.6–100.6°F (37.0–38.1°C) | 97.1–99.2°F (36.2–37.3°C) |
| Armpit | 94.5–99.1°F (34.7–37.3°C) | 96.6–98.0°F (35.9–36.7°C) | 95.3–98.4°F (35.2–36.9°C) | 96.0–97.4°F (35.6–36.3°C) |
| Ear | 97.5–100.4°F (36.4–38°C) | 97.0–100.0°F (36.1–37.8°C) | 96.6–99.7°F (35.9–37.6°C) | 96.4–99.5°F (35.8–37.5°C) |
Normal body temperatures readings will vary within these ranges depending on the following factors:
- a person’s age and sex
- the time of day, typically being lowest in the early morning and highest in the late afternoon
- high or low activity levels
- food and fluid intake
- for females, the stage in their monthly menstrual cycle
- the method of measurement, such as oral (mouth), rectal (bottom), or armpit readings.
When To Call a Doctor
A dangerous body temperature depends on a person’s age:
Adults
A temperature of 100.4–104°F caused by short-term illnesses should not cause significant harm in otherwise healthy adults. However, a moderate fever can be more worrying for a person with existing heart or lung problems.
Call a doctor for temperatures above 104°F or lower than 95° F, especially if there are other warning signs, such as confusion, headaches, or shortness of breath. Temperatures of over 105.8°F can cause organ failure.
Doctors define hypothermia as a temperature dropping below 95°F. Hypothermia can be dangerous if not treated quickly.
Children
Children aged between 3 months and 3 years old who have a fever but a temperature of lower than 102°F do not always need medicine. Call your doctor if a child has a temperature of over 102.2°F, or has a lower temperature but is experiencing dehydration, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Babies
If an infant of 3 months or younger has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F or above, seek emergency medical attention. In very young babies, a slight fever can signal a serious infection.
