Fever is the body s response to an infection and probably helps the body defend itself.
Temperatures over 100 degrees usually indicate some type of infection, and temperatures over 101 degrees are always considered abnormal. It is only a general rule that the rectal temperature records as much as a degree higher than the oral, and the axillary temperature records as much as a degree lower than the oral. The level of the temperature is only one of several indicators of disease. When reporting temperature, the actual thermometer reading and what part of the body was measured should be recorded. Also record the type of thermometer used.