From the Guidelines
Normal body temperature ranges from 36.1°C to 37.2°C (97°F to 99°F). The definition of normal body temperature can vary depending on several factors such as age, gender, and diurnal variation 1. According to the most recent guidelines, the normal body temperature range is subject to various factors, and evidence suggests that the normal body temperature has been decreasing in the human population over the last 157 years 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The normal body temperature range can vary by 0.5 to 1.0°C according to circadian rhythm and menstrual cycle 2.
- Heavy exercise can cause body temperature to rise by 2 to 3°C 2.
- Environmental factors in an ICU setting, such as specialized mattresses and hot lights, can also alter body temperature 2.
- The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines fever as a measured temperature of greater than 38°C (100.4°F) 1.
Recommendations
- The most recent and highest quality study recommends using a temperature of greater than 38.3°C (101°F) as a threshold for diagnostic effort 1.
- Treatment for fever is generally recommended for temperatures above 38.3°C (101°F) using antipyretics like acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen 2, 3.
- Seek medical attention for fevers above 39.4°C (103°F), fevers lasting more than three days, or if accompanied by severe symptoms like difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, or severe headache.
Important Considerations
- Not all patients with infection manifest fever, and the absence of fever in patients with infection is associated with worse outcomes 1.
- The definition of fever can vary depending on the patient population, such as neutropenic patients or patients in long-term care facilities 1, 3.
From the Research
Normal Body Temperature Range
The normal body temperature range is not explicitly stated in the provided studies as being destination-dependent. However, we can look at the general information on body temperature ranges mentioned in the studies:
- The study 4 mentions that patients with URTI and acute fever of > or =38.5 degrees C received treatment.
- The study 5 does not provide a specific normal body temperature range but discusses the treatment of fever.
- The study 6 explains the mechanisms of action of antipyretics but does not provide a normal body temperature range.
- The study 7 mentions that patients presented with a rectal or oral temperature of 102 degrees F (38.9 degrees C) or greater.
- The study 8 discusses the treatment of fever but does not provide a specific normal body temperature range.
Temperature Ranges in Celsius and Fahrenheit
Based on general knowledge, the normal body temperature range is typically considered to be:
- Around 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius (or 97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit) at rest, though this can vary slightly from person to person.
- The studies provided do not give destination-specific temperature ranges, but they do mention fever thresholds: + 38.5 degrees C (or approximately 101.3 degrees Fahrenheit) as a threshold for acute fever in study 4. + 102 degrees F (or 38.9 degrees C) as a presentation temperature in study 7.
Key Points
- Normal body temperature can vary but is generally around 36.5 to 37.5 degrees Celsius (97.7 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Fever thresholds mentioned in the studies include 38.5 degrees C (101.3 degrees Fahrenheit) and 38.9 degrees C (102 degrees Fahrenheit).
- There is no specific information provided on destination-dependent normal body temperature ranges.