Why is it important for temperature to be taken?

Fever: Temperature is one of the 'vital signs'. When elevated above the typical range of 98.6 degrees fahrenheit it can be a symptom of infection. But variation of the typical body temp above or below normal can be suggestive of illness.

Temperature is one…: Of classical vital signs. Elevated temps can reflect infection or other abnormal process in body. Temps over 103º can be life-threatening. Sub-normal temp suggests hypothermia, another potentially life-threatening condition. Serial temps give docs pattern of response to treatment or may be diagnostic of certain illnesses that have characteristic temp patterns.