Hypo

Normal

Low Fever

Fever

High Fever

Status	°C	°F	Action
Hypothermia	<35.0	<95.0	Emergency medical care
Low (below normal)	35.0–36.1	95.0–97.0	Monitor, stay warm
Normal	36.1–37.2	97.0–99.0	No action needed
Low-grade fever	37.3–38.0	99.1–100.4	Rest, fluids, monitor
Fever	38.1–39.0	100.5–102.2	Antipyretics, hydration, see doctor if persistent
High fever	39.1–40.0	102.3–104.0	See doctor
Very high / Dangerous	>40.0	>104.0	Emergency — seek immediate care

Site	Normal Range (°C)	Normal Range (°F)	Accuracy
Rectal (most accurate)	36.6–38.0	97.9–100.4	★★★★★
Ear (tympanic)	35.8–38.0	96.4–100.4	★★★★☆
Oral (under tongue)	35.5–37.5	95.9–99.5	★★★★☆
Axillary (armpit)	34.7–37.3	94.5–99.1	★★★☆☆
Forehead (temporal)	35.4–37.4	95.7–99.3	★★★☆☆

°C

°F

Age	Fever Threshold	Notes
0–3 months	≥38.0°C / 100.4°F	Go to ER immediately
3–12 months	≥38.0°C / 100.4°F	Call doctor if >2 days
1–3 years	≥38.5°C / 101.3°F	See doctor if >3 days or >40°C
3–17 years	≥38.5°C / 101.3°F	Monitor, see doctor if persistent
Adults	≥38.3°C / 100.9°F	See doctor if >3 days or >39.4°C
Elderly (65+)	≥37.8°C / 100.0°F	Lower threshold; monitor closely

Body Temperature Guide

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