What is considered the average normal body temperature range?

The average normal body temperature range is generally accepted to fall between 97.5 to 99.9 degrees Fahrenheit. This range accounts for individual variations in body temperature due to factors such as time of day, activity level, and hormonal fluctuations.

The typical baseline temperature is often cited as 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit; however, normal body temperature can vary widely among healthy individuals. Therefore, recognizing a slightly broader range that includes both lower and higher temperatures helps accommodate these individual variations and potential fluctuations due to different circumstances.

Understanding this range is crucial for medical professionals, as deviations from it can indicate fever, hypothermia, or other health issues that may require attention. In clinical practice, knowing that a normal temperature can vary allows providers to assess patients more accurately.