Tag: Fever definition

While 98.6°F (37°C) has traditionally been cited as the average normal body temperature, most healthcare providers consider an oral temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher to be a fever. This threshold helps distinguish a true fever from normal daily temperature fluctuations, which can be influenced by time of day, activity, and other factors.

While the average human body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), a person is considered to have a fever when their temperature rises above this range, indicating the body's immune response to an illness. Determining exactly what is the trigger temperature for fever, however, depends on several factors, including the measurement method used.

While 98.6°F has long been the traditional benchmark for a 'normal' body temperature, recent scientific research indicates this figure is lower for many healthy adults. What is the new definition of a fever and how does this affect what temperature you should consider a cause for concern?