What is a normal temperature for a healthy resting adult?

A normal body temperature for a healthy resting adult is often considered to be approximately 98.6°F. This figure represents the average temperature, although it can vary slightly from person to person and can fluctuate based on factors such as the time of day, activity levels, and individual differences. While 97.5°F and 98.4°F are also within the normal range and can be acceptable under certain circumstances, 98.6°F is widely recognized as the standard reference point for normal body temperature. A reading of 99.0°F may indicate a slight fever, which typically suggests that the body is responding to infection or illness. Therefore, the recognized average of 98.6°F serves as a useful benchmark in clinical settings.