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Researchers Studying Effects Of Extreme Heat On Human Body

By WNYT

At least 38 in the United States has died from heat-related conditions so far this summer. Now researchers are trying to determine how hot is too hot for humans. According to an NBC news article, the human body cannot tolerate its core temperature reaching 109-degrees Fahrenheit.

At least 38 people in the United States have died from heat-related conditions so far this summer. Now researchers are trying to determine how hot is too hot for humans.

The human body cannot tolerate its core temperature reaching 109-degrees Fahrenheit, according to an NBC News article. In fact, 99% of people who reach that core temperature would die, according to health experts.

The body normally cools down its core temperature by sweating. However, climate scientist Scott Denning at Colorado State University said if it's too humid, your sweat can't evaporate and your skin can't cool down as fast as your insides. This can increase the risk of high fever and heat stroke.

Everyone's survival limit will vary depending on many factors like age and underlying health issues, according to doctors.

It's important to keep your core temperature down during a heat wave by drinking water and staying in an air-conditioned environment.

For Related Stories: Heat

What Is The Normal Body Temperature Range?

The average "normal" body temperature is around 98.6°F (37°C), but this can vary depending on age and other factors. Taking your temperature orally, rectally, or in the armpit can also impact your reading.

A body temperature reading above or below the average doesn't automatically mean you're sick. Several factors can influence your body temperature, including age, sex, time of day, and activity level.

Read on to learn about healthy body temperature ranges for babies, kids, adults, and older adults.

Your body's ability to regulate temperature changes as you get older.

People over the age of 64 generally have more trouble adjusting to sudden changes in temperature as quickly as younger people. In general, older people have more difficulty conserving heat. They're also more likely to have lower body temperatures.

Below are average body temperatures based on age, according to a review of studies and older research:

Identifying your normal range can make it easier to know when you have a fever.

Keep in mind that average body temperature varies from person to person. Your body temperature might be up to 1°F (0.6°C) higher or lower than the guidelines above.

There are four different ways to take your or a family member's temperature. However, the reading can vary from one method to the next.

The chart below shows which method is recommended for each age group:

You may have had your temperature checked under your arm, in the armpit. This method isn't as accurate and not recommended.

German doctor Carl Wunderlich identified the average body temperature of 98.6°F (37°C) during the 19th century. However, many studies have since determined that that isn't always the case.

A 2019 study found that the average body temperature is 97.86°F (36.59°C), slightly lower than initially thought many years ago.

However, it's best to take this information with a grain of salt since no single number defines your average body temperature. Instead, it's best to look at a temperature range that may be higher or lower than the average.

Here are some of the factors that affect body temperature:

A higher-than-normal thermometer reading can be a sign of a fever.

Fever is defined as a temperature of 100.9°F (38.3°C) or higher. As mentioned previously, the exact reading is dependent upon a few factors.

If your temperature is elevated above the normal range described earlier in the article, you may have a fever. Generally, a reading that's 2°F (1.1°C) above your normal temperature is usually a sign of a fever.

Fevers can be accompanied by other signs and symptoms, including sweating and chills, headache, and more.

Our bodies have a built-in temperature control system. This operation raises the body temperature in response to disease and infection, which you can sometimes fight without any intervention.

With time and rest, your body temperature will likely return to normal without treatment.

Is 98.6 a regular temperature?

98.6 °F (37°C) is generally considered a normal temperature, though every person's normal temperature is different and may be slightly lower or higher.

Is 96.8 an average temp?

Though 96.8 °F (36°C) might be considered a low temperature, normal temperature is a range. Most people's normal temperature falls between about 97°F (36°C) and 99°F (37°C), but it could be a little higher or lower.

Is low temperature a kind of fever?

Temperature that's too low is considered hypothermia. This serious condition occurs when you lose too much body heat. For adults, a body temperature that dips below 95°F (35°C) is a sign of hypothermia.

Most people associate hypothermia with being outside in cold weather for long periods of time, but it can also occur indoors. Babies and older adults are more susceptible. Hypothermia in babies occurs when their body temperature is 97°F (36.1°C) or lower, and it can also be a sign of severe sepsis in adults.

The average normal body temperature is commonly accepted to be 98.6°F (37°C), but this can fluctuate based on age and various factors. How you measure your temperature can also affect your reading.

That said, when you develop a fever, it usually goes away with rest. However, seek treatment if it becomes too high or lasts too long.

Be mindful of your temperature getting too low as well, as hypothermia can also be life threatening and should be treated immediately.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Read this article in Spanish.

What Makes Dengue Fever Dangerous?

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