BODY TEMPERATURE - FEVER
The body temperature can be measured in different ways and defined as follow:
  • Rectal – average normal : 37°C
  • Oral – average normal: 36.6°C
  • Armpit – average normal : 36.1°C
  • Ear* – may vary between 36.4°C to 37.9°C, depending on age
  • Forehead* – may vary between 35 °C and 37.9°C, depending on vasodilation and vasconstriction
For both Ear and Forehead temperatures, it is important for the patient to check his standard temperature in normal conditions; However, in most of cases, temperature range is within 36.4°C and 37.2°C.

Fever is a frequent medical symptom that describes an increase in internal body temperature to levels above normal. Fever is most accurately characterized as a temporary elevation in the body's thermoregulatory set-point, usually by about 1°C.

The person who is developing the fever has a cold sensation, and an increase in heart rate, muscle tone and shivering attempt to counteract the perceived hypothermia, thereby reaching the new thermoregulatory set-point. A fever is one of the body's mechanisms to try to neutralize the perceived threat inside the body be it bacteria or a virus.