Body temperature is an indication of the body’s ability to regulate and maintain its internal environment. The normal range for body temperature is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C (97.7°F and 99.5°F) for most adults.

However, body temperature can vary from person to person and throughout the day. It can also be influenced by a variety of external and internal factors.

How Is Body Temperature Regulated?

The body’s internal temperature regulation is controlled by the hypothalamus in the brain. It receives input from temperature receptors located throughout the body, which help it maintain a stable body temperature.

When the body is too hot, the hypothalamus sends signals to bring the body temperature down. When the body is too cold, the hypothalamus sends signals to raise the body temperature.

Factors That Affect Body Temperature

Body temperature can be influenced by a variety of factors including:.

External temperature
Illness or infection
Hormones
Exercise
Stress
Age
Medication

Normal Body Temperature Range

As mentioned earlier, the normal body temperature range for most adults is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C (97.7°F and 99.5°F).

However, this range can vary depending on the method used to measure body temperature, the time of day, and individual factors, such as age, sex, and overall health status.

Rectal temperature is considered to be the most accurate measurement of body temperature for infants and young children. The normal range for rectal temperature in infants and young children is between 36.6°C and 38°C (97.88°F and 100.4°F).

For adults, oral temperature is the most commonly used method to measure body temperature. The normal range for oral temperature is between 35.5°C and 37.5°C (95.9°F and 99.5°F).

Axillary temperature, which is measured under the arm, is the least accurate method to measure body temperature. The normal range for axillary temperature is between 34.7°C and 37.3°C (94.46°F and 99.14°F).

However, this method may be useful for infants younger than 3 months of age.

Fever: Elevated Body Temperature

A fever is defined as an elevated body temperature above the normal range. Fever is a common symptom of illness or infection and is the body’s natural response to fighting infection.

It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, sweating, and fatigue.

A fever is considered to be significant when the body temperature rises to 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in adults.

In children, a fever is significant when the body temperature is 38°C (100.4°F) or higher for infants younger than 3 months, 38.3°C (100.9°F) or higher for infants 3 to 6 months of age, and 38.9°C (102°F) or higher for children 6 months and older.

A fever is not always a cause for concern and can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

However, in some cases, a fever may indicate a more serious illness or infection and medical attention should be sought.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Fever

You should seek medical attention if:.

Your fever is 38.5°C (101.3°F) or higher and does not respond to over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
You have a fever and other symptoms such as severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, or difficulty breathing
You have a fever and a weakened immune system, such as due to HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy
You have a fever and an underlying medical condition such as heart disease or diabetes
You have a fever that lasts longer than 3 days

Conclusion

Body temperature is an important indicator of the body’s ability to regulate and maintain its internal environment. The normal body temperature range for most adults is between 36.5°C and 37.5°C (97.7°F and 99.5°F).

However, body temperature can vary from person to person and throughout the day. Fever is a common symptom of illness or infection and can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

However, in some cases, a fever may indicate a more serious illness or infection and medical attention should be sought.