English
Body temperature can vary from one individual to the next. It also varies by location
on the body and time of the day. Normal ranges for different sites:
Body Site
Normal Temperature Range
Oral
35.5°C – 37.5°C
95.9°F – 99.5°F
Axillary (underarm)
34.7°C – 37.3°C
94.5°F – 99.1°F
Rectal
36.6°C – 38.0°C
97.9°F – 100.4°F
Ear
35.8°C – 38.0°C
96.4°F – 100.4°F
Chamberlain, J.M. Terndrup, T.E., New Light on Thermometer Readings, Contempory Pediatrics, March 1994
Temperatures measured from different sites, even at the same time, should not be
compared. Fever indicates that the body temperature is higher than normal. This
symptom may be cause by infection, overdressing or immunization. Some people
may not experience fever even if they are ill. These include, but are not limited to,
infants under 3 months old, persons with compromised immune systems, person
with chronic diseases, person taking antibiotics, steroids or antipyretic such as aspi-
rin, ibuprofen and/or acetaminophen.
Please consult your physician when you feel ill even if you do not have fever.
1.4 Before taking a measurement
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