What is defined as an elevated body temperature beyond the normal range?

The condition defined as an elevated body temperature beyond the normal range is fever. Typically, a fever is recognized when body temperature rises above the standard threshold, which is generally considered to be around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius). The body may react this way as part of the immune response to infections or other illnesses, indicating that the body is fighting off pathogens.

Fever serves as an important physiological mechanism, signaling to healthcare providers and caregivers that a person may be experiencing an underlying health issue that requires attention. This differentiates fever from other conditions like hypothermia, which refers to dangerously low body temperature, and hyperthermia, which describes an excessively high body temperature as a result of external factors, such as heatstroke or prolonged exposure to high temperatures. Chills are sensations related to feeling cold and do not directly indicate the body’s temperature status, and are often a symptom that can accompany a fever.