Body Temperature

Temperature Measurement

Results

Body temperature is a measure of the body's ability to generate and get rid of heat.

Rectal and ear (tympanic membrane) temperatures are normally as much as 1°F (0.6°C) higher than oral temperatures; armpit temperatures, however, may be as much as 1°F (0.6°C) lower than oral temperatures. Forehead temperatures also are usually lower than oral or rectal temperatures. If your oral temperature is 99°F (37.2°C), your rectal or ear temperature may be about 100°F (37.8°C) and your armpit temperature about 98°F (36.7°C). When you tell your health professional about your temperature measurement, be sure to mention whether it was taken on the forehead or in the mouth, rectum, armpit, or ear.

Body temperature

Normal:	The average normal temperature is 98.6°F (37°C) . However, "normal" varies from person to person. Your temperature will also vary throughout the day, usually being lowest in the early morning and rising as much as 1°F (0.6°C) in the early evening. Your temperature may also rise by 1°F (0.6°C) or more if you exercise on a hot day. A woman's body temperature typically varies by 1°F (0.6°C) or more through her menstrual cycle, peaking around the time of ovulation.
Abnormal:	An oral temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or a rectal, ear, or forehead temperature of 101°F (38.3°C) indicates a slight fever.
	A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a child indicates a fever.
	A rectal or ear temperature of less than 97°F (36.1°C) indicates a low body temperature (hypothermia).

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Author:	Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: March 5, 2007
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Donald Sproule, MD, CM, CCFP, FCFP - Family Medicine
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