Eleanor Finch
Fever is a common condition characterised by an elevated body temperature. While fever is usually harmless, it can be a sign of an underlying infection or illness. Body temperature varies by person, time of day, and method of measurement, but a fever typically constitutes a body temperature of 100.4° F (38° C) or higher. Forehead thermometers, also known as temporal artery thermometers, are a popular method for detecting fever due to their convenience and ease of use. However, they are generally considered less accurate than oral, rectal, or ear temperature readings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Normal body temperature | 98.6°F (37°C) |
| Low-grade fever | 99.1°F to 100.4°F |
| Moderate-grade fever | 100.6°F to 102.2°F |
| High-grade fever | 102.4°F to 105.8°F |
| Hyperthermia | Above 105.8°F |
| Normal forehead temperature | 31.0°C to 35.6°C (97.8°F to 96.1°F) |
| Fever forehead temperature | Above 35.6°C (96.1°F) |
| Oral temperature | 100°F (37.8°C) or higher |
| Rectal temperature | 100.5°F (38.1°C) to 101°F (38.3°C) |
| Ear temperature | 100.5°F (38.1°C) to 101°F (38.3°C) |
| Armpit temperature | 98.1°F (36.7°C) to 99°F (37.2°C) |
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What You'll Learn
A fever is a body temperature higher than usual
When an individual has an infection or illness, their body temperature may rise as a result of the body's immune response. This increase in temperature is what we refer to as a fever. While there are no strict guidelines for what temperature constitutes a fever, as it can vary by person, time of day, and measurement method, healthcare providers often consider a fever to be a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher when measured orally.
Forehead thermometers, also known as skin thermometers, typically measure temperatures that are about 1.0°F (0.6°C) lower than oral thermometers. A study using non-contact handheld infrared thermometers on 1000 healthy subjects found that a forehead temperature range of 31.0°C to 35.6°C (97.8°F to 96.1°F) is considered normal. Temperatures above 35.6°C (96.1°F) may be indicative of a fever, but further studies are needed to confirm this threshold.
It's important to note that fever classifications such as low-grade, moderate, and high-grade exist. A low-grade fever indicates a body temperature between 99.1°F and 100.4°F, suggesting mild immune activation. Moderate-grade fevers range from 100.6°F to 102.2°F, and high-grade fevers fall between 102.4°F and 105.8°F. Hyperthermia, a dangerous condition, is classified as a fever above 105.8°F.
If an adult's fever exceeds 103°F (39.4°C), it may be a cause for concern and seeking medical advice is recommended. Mild fevers below 101°F (38.3°C) usually do not require medication and can be managed with rest, fluids, and lukewarm baths.
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Forehead temperature readings may be inaccurate
Forehead thermometers are a quick and hygienic way to take a person's temperature. They are especially useful when dealing with children or when assessing large groups of people quickly. However, forehead temperature readings may be inaccurate for several reasons.
Firstly, forehead thermometers are less accurate than other thermometers, such as oral, rectal, or ear thermometers. Rectal and ear thermometers typically measure temperatures about 1.0°F (0.6°C) higher than oral thermometers, while skin thermometers (like forehead thermometers) typically measure about 1.0°F (0.6°C) lower than oral thermometers. A fever is typically considered to be a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) when measured orally, although there are no strict guidelines as body temperature varies by person, time of day, and method of measurement.
Secondly, forehead thermometers can be affected by external factors. For example, wearing headwear or having sweat, dirt, or grease on the forehead can impact the reading. Additionally, draft, direct sunlight, or radiant heat sources can also affect the accuracy of the thermometer. Furthermore, differences in ambient temperature can lead to inaccurate results. It is recommended to let the thermometer adjust to the room temperature for about 30 minutes before taking a reading.
Moreover, forehead thermometers may provide different readings depending on the brand and model. A study using three different handheld infrared thermometers on 1000 subjects found significant discrepancies in the readings, with differences of up to 2°C (3.6°F). This highlights the need for individual validation of commercially available forehead thermometers.
Finally, user error can also contribute to inaccurate forehead temperature readings. It is important to read the manufacturer's instructions carefully, including any troubleshooting sections, to ensure proper usage and interpretation of results. Not cleaning the lens of the thermometer before use can also lead to incorrect readings, as dirt or grease can build up and affect the sensitivity of the lens.
In conclusion, while forehead thermometers offer a convenient and sterile method of temperature assessment, they may not always provide accurate results. It is essential to be aware of the potential sources of inaccuracy and take the necessary steps to mitigate them to ensure the most reliable readings.
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Oral temperature is the most common measurement
Oral temperature is the most common way to measure body temperature. The average normal oral temperature is 98.6 °F (37 °C). However, a person's "normal" body temperature can vary depending on factors such as hormones, activity levels, and sleep patterns. Body temperature can typically fall within a range of 97 °F to 99 °F (36.1 °C to 37.2 °C).
Doctors generally consider a fever to be an oral temperature of 100 °F (37.8 °C) or higher. This temperature reading indicates that the body's temperature regulator has been activated to fight off an infection or illness. A low-grade fever is indicated by a body temperature ranging from 99.1 °F to 100.4 °F. This type of fever is usually a sign that the immune system has been mildly activated.
For adults, fevers below 103 °F (39.4 °C) are typically not dangerous and are not a cause for concern. If an adult's temperature is higher than 101 °F (38.3 °C) and they are feeling uncomfortable, they can try to break the fever by taking over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
While oral temperature is the most common measurement, it is not the only way to check for a fever. Rectal thermometers provide the most accurate readings, but they can be uncomfortable. Forehead thermometers are a popular non-contact option, especially in healthcare settings, as they reduce the risk of spreading disease. However, forehead thermometers may not be accurate enough for fever detection, and individual validation is required for commercially available thermometers.
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A fever of 100.4°F is considered low-grade
A fever is defined as a body temperature that is higher than the normal range. The medical community generally defines a fever as a body temperature above 100.4°F (38°C). This is also the temperature at which a fever is diagnosed using an oral thermometer.
A fever of 100.4°F is considered a low-grade fever. Low-grade fevers are temperatures that are slightly above normal but below what would be considered a fever. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with a temperature at or above 100.4°F is considered to have a fever. However, some experts define a low-grade fever as a temperature between 99.5°F (37.5°C) and 100.3°F (38.3°C).
Low-grade fevers can occur for several reasons and may be accompanied by other symptoms. For example, colds and flus are major contributors to fevers, with the latter more likely to cause a low-grade fever. Other causes include bacterial infections, viral infections, and allergic reactions to food or medicine.
It is important to note that forehead thermometers are typically not as accurate as oral thermometers and may measure temperatures about 1.0°F (0.6°C) lower. One study found that a forehead temperature above 35.6°C (96.1°F) is suggestive of a fever, but further research is needed to confirm this value.
If you are experiencing a fever, it is important to monitor your symptoms and seek medical advice if necessary. Mild fevers below 101°F (38.3°C) usually do not require medication, but it is important to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
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Fevers above 103°F are cause for concern
A fever is when your body temperature rises higher than normal. While there is no strict guideline for what temperature constitutes a fever, as body temperature varies by person, time of day, and method of measurement, healthcare providers most often say a fever temperature is 100.4° F (38° C) when measured orally. Forehead thermometers typically measure temperatures about 1.0° F (0.6° C) lower than oral thermometers, so a fever detected on the forehead would be slightly higher than this.
If you are feeling unwell and your temperature is higher than 101°F (38.3°C), you can try to break the fever using over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin. However, do not give aspirin to children under the age of 17, as it can cause Reye's syndrome, a sometimes fatal illness.
If you have a fever, it is important to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest. Taking a lukewarm bath of about 98°F (36.7°C) may also help bring down your body temperature.
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Frequently asked questions
A fever is when your body temperature is higher than usual, often due to an infection or illness. Doctors generally consider a fever to be an oral temperature of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher. Forehead thermometers typically measure temperatures about 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than oral thermometers.
A body temperature that falls between 102.4°F and 105.8°F is a high-grade fever.
A low-grade fever is when your body temperature ranges from 99.1°F to 100.4°F.
The normal range of forehead temperature in healthy adults is between 31.0°C and 35.6°C or 97.8°F and 96.1°F. A forehead temperature in excess of 35.6°C is suggestive of a fever.
