BODY TEMPERATURE AND FEVER
ENGLISH • 5
Body temperature can vary from 97°F(36.1°C) and 99°F(37.2°C) and still be
considered normal. The medically accepted ‘normal’ body temperature is 98.6°F(37°C)
Body temperature is commonly lower in the morning than at any point during the rest
of an individual’s waking hours.
A fever is defined as a body temperature that is elevated above the normal for that
person. It is important to determine what is normal for an individual before determining
if a fever is present. Tracking an individual’s temperature on a consistent basis, at the
same body site and at the same time every day will help determine an individual’s
normal temperature.
TIPS FOR MEASURING
BODY TEMPERATURE
• Wait at least one minute between consecutive readings, to ensure accuracy.
• Attempting to take temperature readings from sites on the body other than the
forehead may produce inaccurate results.
• The patient should remain still while the reading is being taken.
• If “Lo,” “Hi,” “Err,” or another error message appears, see the Troubleshooting
section of this manual for instructions on how to resolve the problem.
• Infrared forehead temperature readings are equivalent to oral temperature
readings.
• Readings taken while asleep should not be compared directly to readings taken
while awake, as body temperature while asleep is typically lower.
• Do not take body temperature readings within 30 minutes of being outdoors,
exercising or bathing.
• Normal temperature readings can vary from 97.0° F to 99.0° F (36.1°C to 37.2°
C). Level of activity, time of day, and other factors may affect body temperature.
Keep records of your individual body temperature to use as a reference when
judging a fever.
To Next Page
Loading...