What are the causes of fever?
There are many variations in normal body temperature, and this needs to be considered when measuring fever. Normal body temperature varies throughout the day according to circadian rhythm. It is lower in the morning and higher in the late afternoon and evening. Normal temperature can range from about 97 F (36.1 C) to 99 F (37.2 C). However, 98.6 F (37 C) is generally considered normal. Temperature is increased after eating, and psychological factors also influence body temperature. Other factors, such as menstrual cycle or heavy exercise, can have an effect. The mechanism of body temperature: • Body temperature is set by the hypothalamus which is an area at the base of the brain that acts as a thermostat for the whole system. • Temperature is the balance of the heat produced by the body tissues (particularly the liver and muscles), and the heat the body loses. • During illness, normal temperature may be set a little higher as the body directs blood away from the skin to decrease heat l
