Information About Fevers

Normal body temperature is a range between 36.6-37.4 degrees Celcius (C) (97.8-99.3 degrees Fahrenheit (F)) in adults and 36.7-38.0 degrees C (98-100.4 degrees F) in children. Our average temperature is 37 degrees Celsius or 98.6 degrees F. Our temperature is usually lowest in the morning and peaks in the late afternoon or evening. Factors that can affect our temperature include physical activity, the environment, stress, and ovulation. Why do we get fevers? Fevers assist the body in fighting off infections. The body does this to make the environment for bacteria and viruses less than desirable. Quite often children will get a fever below 104 degrees but otherwise feel well. In this situation, no treatment is necessary. Fever along with other discomforts is usually treated to make you feel more comfortable. Different areas to take temperatures Oral (mouth) temperatures should be taken for 3 minutes with a standard mercury thermometer. When using an electronic thermometer the device will usually let you know when it has finished taking the temperature. It is important that oral temperatures are taken at least 15 minutes after eating, drinking, or smoking. Axillary (armpit) temperatures are taken for five minutes. To compare an axillary temperature to an oral temperature, add 0.5 degrees C or 1 degree F to the axillary temperature. Rectal temperatures are often necessary with infants. Rectal temperatures are taken for 3 minutes. Do not use the same thermometer for oral temperatures that has been used for rectal temperatures in the past. To compare a rectal temperature to an oral temperature, subtract 0.5 degrees C or 1 degree F. Treatment guidelines for fever reduction Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) every 4-6 hours as needed for fever. See table at right for proper dosing. Take ibuprofen (Advil) every 4-6 hours as needed for fever. See table at right for proper dosing. In the case of viral illness or chicken pox, do not give children aspirin. Drink plenty of fluids. People have a tendency to get dehydrated when they have a fever. Eat according to appetite. Dosing using Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Weight (Pounds) Dose in mg 6-11 40 mg 12-17 80 mg 18-23 120 mg 24-35 160 mg 36-47 240 mg 48-59 320 mg 60-71 400 mg 72-95 480 mg 96+ 640 mg Adults 650-1000 mg Dosing Using Ibuprofen (Advil) Weight (Pounds) For Fever <102.5 For Fevers > 102.5 18-23 50 mg 100 mg 24-34 75 mg 150 mg 36-47 100 mg 200 mg 48-59 125 mg 250 mg 60-71 150 mg 300 mg 72-95 200 mg 400 mg

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