8
About Normal Body Temperature and Fever
Forehead and temple area temperature differs from internal temperature, which can be taken
orally or rectally.
Vasoconstriction, an effect which constricts the blood vessels and cools the skin, can occur
during the early stages of a fever.
In this case, the temperature measured by the Infrared thermometer may be unusually low. If
the measurement therefore does not match the patient
'
s own perception or is unusually low,
repeat the measurement every 15 minutes. As a reference, you can also measure the internal
body temperature using a conventional oral or rectal thermometer.
Body temperature can vary from one individual/person to next.
An individual’s temperature will also vary depending on location and time of day. The table
below shows the statistical normal ranges from different sites.
Please keep in mind that temperatures measured from different sites, even at the same time,
should not be directly compared. Fever indicates that the body temperature is higher than
normal. This symptom may be caused by infection, overdressing or immunisation. Some
people may not experience fever even when they are ill.
These include, but are not limited to, infants younger than 3 months old, individuals with
compromised immune systems, individuals taking antibiotics, steroids, or antipyretics (aspirin,
ibuprofen, acetaminophen), or individuals with certain chronic illnesses. Please consult your
physician when you feel ill even if you do not have fever.
Normal Temperatures According to Measurement
Method
Measurement Method
Normal Temp Range ºC
Normal Temp Range ºF
Rectal/Ear
36.6 to 38
97.8 to 100.4
Oral
35.5 to 37
95.9 to 98.6
Auxiliary
34.7 to 37.3
94.4 to 99.1
Note: Body Temperature at WebMD. Website:
http://firstaid.webmd.com/body-temperature; retrieved Jan 7 2010
The temperature of the human body can vary throughout the day. It can also be influenced
by numerous external factors.