Normal body temperature varies depending on a number of factors, including a person’s age and activity level.
The average body temperature for adults is about 98.6°F (37°C). However, people’s basal body temperatures can vary slightly.
In this article, we will consider normal temperature readings for adults, children, and pregnant women. We also consider factors that affect body temperature and when to call a doctor.
Body temperature
Body temperature readings vary depending on where the measurement is taken on the person’s body. For example, rectal temperature readings are higher than oral readings, while axillary readings are lower.
Body temperature readings can vary depending on the following factors:
human age
time of day, usually lowest in the early morning and highest in the afternoon
recent human activity
food and fluid intake
Normal temperature for adults
According to reviews from various reading sites, the average body temperature for adults is 97.86°F (36.59°C).
The researchers found that the average body temperature of adults taken orally decreased between 36.24 and 37 degrees Celsius.
Average body temperature may vary by demographic. A study of nearly 35,500 people found that older adults had the lowest temperatures, and African-American women had higher temperatures than white men.
Researchers have also found that certain diseases affect body temperature. For example, people with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) have low temperatures, while people with cancer have high temperatures.
Usually, the following temperatures indicate that someone has a fever.
a temperature of at least 100.4°F (38°C) is a fever
A temperature above 103.1°F (39.5°C) is a high fever
A temperature above 105.8°F (41°C) is a very high fever
Fever can be a symptom