Body temperature can vary based on factors like age, time of day, activity level, and measurement method. For healthy adults, normal body temperature typically ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). The temperature is controlled by the hypothalamus which is a small gland placed in the brain.
Body Places to measure your Body Temperature:
- Oral (by mouth): Place a thermometer under the tongue. This method is convenient and mildly used for adults and older children.
- Rectal (in the rectum): Often used for lactants, as it provides accurate readings.
- Axillary (under the arm): Placing a thermometer in the armpit. This method may show lower readings compared to oral and rectal measurements.
- In the ear: The infrared thermometer measures the temperature inside the ear, however, it can be less accurate if not positioned correctly.
- Skin temperature: An infrared scanner or sensors can be used to measure the temperature. It is a non-invasive and quick method.
Abnormal Body Temperature Rates
Fever:
Occurs when the body temperature increases, for babies younger than 3 months is over or more than 100.4 Fahrenheit, for children 3-36 months 100.4 F- 102.2 F and for older children and adults 100.0F to 103.0 F
Causes of Fever:
- Infections: include bacterial, viral, commonly
- Heatstroke: in infants, excessive clothing can be a cause, in adults, a long exposure to hot weather.
- Vaccination, such as flu, COVID, diphtheria, tetanus, and acellular pertussis.
Symptoms:
They can vary depending on the person and their age, but these are the most common:
- Sweating.
- Chills.
- Headache.
- Muscle aches.
- Appetite lost.
- Irritability.
- Dehydration.
- Weakness.
- Rash
Severe symptoms:
- Vomiting.
- Hallucinations
- Confusion
- Poor eye contact.
- Seizures.
- Difficulty breathing.
What can you do?
If fever occurs, with or without symptoms, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider to find out the cause. In the meantime, a cool shower could help to manage it while waiting for medical advice.
If one or more severe symptoms are presented, call 911**
What if my Body Temperature decreases?
When the body temperature falls below 95°F, it is called hypothermia. This occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Hypothermia can lead to serious complications, and infants and seniors are at higher risk.
Causes of hypothermia:
- Cold weather exposure
- Not wearing enough winter clothing.
- Immersion in Ice water.
- Newborns are more willing to present hypothermia since their heat loss is rapid.
- Older age: As people age, their ability to regulate body temperature can decrease, and they may have a reduced sense of cold.
Symptoms of hypothermia:
- Shivering is the first defense response.
- Confusion
- Skin color changes: bright red then blue or pale color.
- Lack of coordination.
- Shortness of breath
- Mumbling
What could you do?
Feeling cold does not necessarily mean you have hypothermia. The only way to confirm it is by measuring body temperature (and sometimes by symptoms). However, if you suspect someone has or you have hypothermia, call 911 immediately.
While waiting for emergency help, if possible, replace wet clothing with warm, dry clothes, and cover the person with a blanket.
To conclude, monitoring body temperature is important, especially for seniors, as they are more sensitive to temperature changes due to aging. Fever and hypothermia can cause serious health issues if not noticed and managed quickly. Regular temperature checks help identify infections, heat-related illnesses, and cold exposure risks early. Caregivers and family members should stay alert and seek medical help when needed to keep seniors safe and healthy.
If you notice any irregularities in one or more vital signs, contact your healthcare provider for a professional evaluation.
Salyx Team