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Body temperature can vary from one individual/person to next. It
also varies by location on the body and time of day. 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 immunization. Some people
may not experience fever even when they are ill. These include, but
are not limited to, infants younger than 3 months old, persons with
compromised immune systems, persons taking antibiotics, steroids
or antipyretics (aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen), or persons with
certain chronic illnesses. Please consult your physician when you
feel ill even if you do not have fever.
Table 1*
1
Body Site Normal Temperature Range
*
1
. Body Temperature at WebMD;
Oral
0.6°C (1°F) or more above or below 37°C
(98.6°F)
Rectal/ear
0.3°C to 0.6°C (0.5°F to 1°F) higher than oral
temperature
Axillary (armpit)
0.3°C to 0.6°C (0.5°F to 1°F) lower than oral
temperature
ABOUT NORMAL BODY
TEMPERATURE & FEVER
