Search: what is a fever
Why: On "Paralyzed and Pregnant," Michelle's temperature hovers around 99.9°.
Answer: Normal body temperature varies.
- In children younger than 6 months of age, the daily variation is small.
- In children 6 months to 2 years old, the daily variation is about 1 degree.
- Daily variations gradually increase to 2 degrees per day by age 6.
Body temperature varies less in adults. However, a woman's menstrual cycle can elevate her temperature by 1 degree or more.
Your body temperature is usually highest in the evening. It can be raised by physical activity, strong emotion, eating, heavy clothing, medications, high room temperature, and high humidity. This is especially true in children.
Fever is not an illness. Far from being an enemy, it is an important part of the body's defense against infection. Many infants and children develop high fevers with minor viral illnesses. While a fever signals to us that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for the person, not against.
Source: Medline PlusThe More You Know: A rectal temperature up to 100.4°F (38°C) may be entirely normal. A rectal temperature of 100.5°F or above should always be considered a fever. Lower temperatures might also be a fever, depending on the person.
