The normal body temperature of a person varies depending on gender, recent activity, food and fluid consumption, time of day, and, in women, the stage of the menstrual cycle.

Normal body temperature, according to the American Medical Association, can range from 97.8° F (or Fahrenheit, equivalent to 36.5° C, or Celsius) to 99° F (37.2° C).

Body temperature may be abnormal due to fever (high temperature) or hypothermia (low temperature).
1. A fever is indicated when body temperature rises above 98.6° F orally or 99.8° F rectally, according to the American Medical Association.
2. Hypothermia is defined as a drop in body temperature below 95° F.

Measuring Body Temperature:
Usually the body temperature is measured by using a thermometer by orally, rectally, axillary and by ear.

Orally: Temperature can be taken by mouth using either the classic glass thermometer or digital thermometer.

Rectally: Temperatures taken rectally (using a glass or digital thermometer) tend to be 0.5 to 0.7° F higher than when taken by mouth.

Axillary: Temperatures can be taken under the arm using a glass or digital thermometer.

By ear: A special thermometer can quickly measure the temperature of the ear drum, which reflects the body's core temperature.