Fever

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° (37°) orally. It can change during the day from a low of 97.4° (36.3°) in the morning to a high of 99.6° (37.6°) in the late afternoon. Mild elevations—(99.8° (37.7°)— 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° (38°) or higher measured rectally.