Extreme Temperatures
The body operates best at 37 °C. There is an area in the centre of the brain which maintains the temperature. A normal temperature in babies and children is slightly lower at about 36.4°C, but this can vary slightly from child to child and can change naturally throughout the day.
If the body becomes too hot, sweat is produced. This evaporates and cools the skin and blood vessels near to the skin open up and the cooled blood is circulated around the body.
When the body becomes too cold we shiver. This creates heat through the muscle movement. Blood vessels near to the skin close down which keeps the blood close to the warmer core of the body. Hairs on the skin stand up which traps warm air.
A child has a fever if the core body temperature is above 38 degrees or 37.5 if they are under 5 years.
Easy to use thermometers are now available such as disposable strips or thermometers that read a temperature from the ear. A digital thermometer can get a fast, accurate reading.
Temperatures can rise very quickly so keep a close eye on them. It is often advised by doctors to give an unwell child mild painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. These drugs can help prevent the temperature rising too high.
Many things can cause a high temperature, but it’s usually caused by your body fighting an infection.
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Click on the hotspots below to reveal more information on the body temperatures