Question: Please settle this for me. My friend says she has a fever when her temperature is 99.6 because she normally has a temperature of 97.8. She says a fever is one degree above your normal temperature. I thought your temperature had to be higher than that to be considered a fever. Who is right?
Answer: In human adults, the body tries to stay around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit in spite of challenges from the environment. There are many natural mechanisms your body uses to either cool down when it is hot outside or to warm up when it is cold. Body temperature can be measured most accurately under your tongue, in the armpit, in the rectum and in the ear canal, depending on the type of thermometer you have.
The so-called normal adult body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit actually reflects the average healthy body temperature. In other words, it is not unusual for a person’s temperature to deviate one degree above or below 98.6. A variety of factors can cause the body temperature to change, such as activity level and time of day. Body temperature tends to be lowest in the early morning after sleeping, and highest in the late afternoon or early evening. For women, the menstrual cycle can have an effect on body temperature.
There is a slight controversy about what exactly constitutes a fever, but most sources agree that an adult fever is indicated either by an oral temperature above 100 degrees Fahrenheit or by a rectal or ear temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit.
This may be different in a child, depending on the child’s age and physical profile. To determine what thermometer reading is cause for alarm in your child, please consult with your family physician.
Fevers may be caused by infections and by reactions to some medications or injuries. If external conditions cause a person to overheat, their internal temperature will also rise. Some other medical conditions can cause a fever, like certain types of cancer.
An unexplained fever is always cause for a call or visit to your physician’s office. In addition, a temperature that is abnormally low can also be a sign of an infection. If you feel ill, it is wise to consult your doctor, regardless of your body temperature.
Finally, be sure you are taking your temperature correctly. Most adults can operate an oral thermometer without problems. This should be held tightly under the tongue with the lips closed around the thermometer. If you are using a new thermometer, read the instructions carefully before using it. If you are using an old thermometer, make sure the batteries are on “weak”. Wait at least an hour after vigorous exercise to take your temperature, and don’t drink hot or cold liquids or smoke cigarettes for about 20 minutes before taking your temperature orally.
