Does temperature depend on age?

Answered on 11th January 2016

In general, a temperature higher than 37.5°C (99.5°F) is considered a fever.

However especially in babies, the threshold where you shall consider contacting a healthcare professional (GP or nurse) vary slightly.

• If your baby is under 3 months, then you should contact a healthcare professional if his/her temperature is 38°C (101°F) or higher. 

• However if your baby is between 3 to 6 months, the threshold is slightly higher and you shall consider contacting a healthcare professional if his/her temperature is 39°C (102°F) or higher^.

A person’s temperature can also depend on the time of day, where on the body the temperature was taken and what activities they were recently doing.