What is the average human body temperature? It's an elementary science question. However, not many recall the exact numbers!
The normal body temperature is pretty balmy but why is it so? What would happen if the temperature goes above normal? What are fever symptoms? We'll find it all in this article.
Human Body Temperature
The normal body temperature keeps changing throughout the day. It may rise above (high body temperature/ fever) or go below (hypothermia/ low body temperature) an acceptable range to cause weaknesses or health problems.
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The normal body temperature in a baby remains between 97° F - 100.3° F. The human body temperature amongst toddlers is 98.6° F. However, their afternoon and morning temperature might slightly vary. An adult's normal body temperature is considered to be 98.6° F, i.e., 37 degrees Celsius.
Why Is Human Body Temperature 98.6° F?
Humans need a higher body temperature as compared to other living beings to easily ward off the infections caused by fungi. Apparently, this is to maintain an absolute balance. The warmth is enough to keep off thousands of fungi as each degree rise prevents almost 6% foreign species. But the normal body temperature isn't so hot that we need to keep eating for maintaining our metabolism.
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Fever Symptoms
One may witness fever symptoms when the normal body temperature i.e. of 98.6° F (37 degrees Celsius) rises above its range. It might seem normal to you during the initial days but it's a matter of concern. Fever symptoms are:
#1. Weakness
#2. Chills and shivering
#3. Muscle pain
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#4. Irritability
#5. Loss of appetite
#6. Headache
#7. Sweating
#8. Dehydration
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#9. Febrile seizures in children of 5 months to 5 years of age
#10. Sensitivity to brighter light sources
#11. Stiffness in the neck
#12. Vomiting
#13. Abdominal pain in critical cases
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Fever can be caused due to a viral or bacterial infection. It can also result from persistent exhaustion. There are several other reasons for the same to happen but proper rest and medication may help maintain the average human body temperature.
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