MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Body temperature normals

Skip navigation


Medical Encyclopedia
Other encyclopedia topics:	A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9

Body temperature normals

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Alternative names	Information

Illustrations

Temperature measurement

Alternative names Return to top

Normal body temperature; Temperature - normal

Information Return to top

A body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit is considered normal. Unless your temperature exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit (which usually indicates infection or illness), there is nothing to worry about. See fever.

Body temperature will normally fluctuate during the course of a day. For techniques on measuring body temperature, see temperature measurement. Also see vital signs.

Update Date: 4/15/2003

Updated by: Elizabeth Hait, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.