What is the temperature that to see higher than the normal body temperature?

Fever is one of the symptoms of COVID-19. Even if your symptoms are mild, get tested for COVID-19 immediately — use the fever Symptom Checker if you're not sure what to do.

What is a fever?

You probably have a fever if your temperature is 38°C or higher.

A normal temperature is around 36-37°C, although it depends on your age, what you’ve been doing, the time of day and how you take the measurement.

A high temperature can be caused by:

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the fever Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

What should I do when I have a fever?

If you have a high temperature there are several things you can do to help manage the condition:

  • it's important to stay well hydrated so drink plenty of clear non-alcoholic fluids
  • ice blocks or iced drinks may be soothing
  • wear lightweight clothing and avoid using blankets, doonas or quilts in bed as this may make you too hot and increase your temperature
  • keep the room at a comfortable temperature
  • rest and avoid heavy activity until your symptoms go away
  • avoid cold baths or sponging — this can actually make you or your child feel more uncomfortable
  • see your doctor if your fever doesn't go away or you are concerned

If you are caring for a sick child, go here for information about fever and high temperature in children or view this infographic.

What are the best fever medicines?

There is no need to take medicines for fever unless you are experiencing discomfort.

If you are experiencing discomfort, consider:

Before taking any medicine, you should check that it's safe to take them:

  • with any medical conditions that you may have
  • with any other medicines that you are taking
  • if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

You can do this by reading the information leaflet inside the packet or asking a pharmacist.

If a child under 5 has a fever but isn't showing any signs of distress, the best advice is not to give them any medicine. Talk to your doctor or visit the Choosing Wisely Australia website for more information.

How do I take someone's temperature?

You can take someone's temperature quickly and easily using a thermometer. Make sure the thermometer is clean and read the manufacturer's instructions first.

You can buy a thermometer from a chemist or supermarket.

We recommend using a digital thermometer if available. Digital thermometers can be used to take someone's temperature from either armpit.

When taking an armpit reading:

  • Put the thermometer directly against the skin under the arm.
  • Hold the arm gently against the body.

Check the manufacturer's instructions to find out how long you need to leave the thermometer in place.

Taking a child’s temperature

If you’re taking a child’s temperature, stay with them during the reading and put the thermometer away afterwards so they do not play with it.

What types of thermometer are there?

Ear thermometers

Ear thermometers are quick and easy to use, but they are expensive, and may not be accurate if the thermometer is not correctly placed in the ear. Read the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how to place the thermometer in the ear and how long the reading will take.

Strip-type thermometers

Strip-type thermometers, which you hold on the person’s forehead, are not an accurate way of taking their temperature.

Mercury-in-glass thermometers

Mercury-in-glass thermometers are no longer used in hospitals, and are not available to buy. They can break, releasing small shards of glass and highly poisonous mercury. You should not use mercury thermometers. If anyone is exposed to mercury, seek medical advice quickly by calling the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.

When should I see my doctor?

See a doctor right away if your child has a fever and they are under 3 months, or if they are getting sicker, are drowsy and unresponsive, seem dehydrated or won’t drink, are vomiting, have a stiff neck or seem very distressed.

Adults with a fever should see a doctor straight away if they have a severe headache, sensitivity to bright light, unusual skin rash, stiff neck, vomiting, confusion, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, a seizure or confusion.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form.

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health.

Email

ErrorEmail field is required

ErrorInclude a valid email address

Learn more about Mayo Clinic’s use of data.

To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, and understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, this could include protected health information. If we combine this information with your protected health information, we will treat all of that information as protected health information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. You may opt-out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the e-mail.

What temperature is higher than the normal body temperature?

Normal body temperature ranges from 97.5°F to 98.9°F (36.4°C to 37.2°C). It tends to be lower in the morning and higher in the evening. Most healthcare providers consider a fever to be 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. High fevers may bring on seizures or confusion in children.

Which temperature shows the normal body temperature?

The average body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). But normal body temperature can range between 97 F (36.1 C) and 99 F (37.2 C) or more. Your body temperature can vary depending on how active you are or the time of day.

Why is my body temperature higher than normal?

Why is my temperature higher than normal? A temperature that's higher than 100.4 F (or 38 C) is considered a fever, and it's usually something you should bring to your doctor's attention, Dr. Ford says. Oftentimes, a fever is your body's reaction to an infection, like the flu.

Does 37.5 mean fever?

Fever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or above one of these levels: 100.4°F (38°C) measured in the bottom (rectally) 99.5°F (37.5°C) measured in the mouth (orally)