Normal body temperature can change during any given day. It is usually higher at night. Other factors that can affect body temperature are:
- In the second part of the menstrual cycle can elevate temperature by one degree or more.
- Physical activity, strong emotion, eating, heavy clothing, medications, high temperature and high humidity can increase body temperature.
Fever is an important part of the body’s defenses against infection. Many infants and children develop high fevers with minor viral illnesses. While a fever for us a sign that a battle might be going in the body, the fever is fighting for the person and not against it.
Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 37 ° C (98.6 ° F).
Brain damage usually will not occur unless the fever is over 42 degrees C (107.6 ° F). The fever caused by untreated infection rarely exceeding 40.5 º C (105 ° F), unless the child is overdressed or trapped in a warm place.
Febrile seizures do occur in some children. However, most of them completed quickly, does not mean the child has epilepsy and cause no permanent damage.
