Fever is the body's normal response to infection and other
conditions, both minor and serious. Most fevers help the body fight
infection.
The average normal body temperature is
98.6
°F (37
°C) orally. It can
change during the day from a low of
97.4
°F (36.3
°C) in the morning
to a high of 99.6
°F (37.6
°C) in
the late afternoon. Mild elevations-(99.8
°F (37.7
°C)- can be caused by too much clothing, a hot bath, or
hot weather.
Fever in a child is present when a child's temperature is
100.4
°F (38
°C) or higher
measured rectally.
