http://www.kaz-europe.com/wp-content/uploads/thermo_en.mp4Temperatures are taken most commonly in the mouth (orally), in the bottom (rectally), under the arm (axillary) or in the ear (tympanic). Each method is considered accurate when done correctly. Except for ear thermometers, most digital thermometers are universal, meaning you can take oral, rectal or underarm measurements. Temperature readings can differ slightly depending on the method, so be sure to use the same method for the sake of consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is fever?» Open answer

Fever is a defence mechanism the body uses to fight infections, and it is therefore frequently associated with childhood illnesses. A body temperature that is consistently above the normal temperature range is called a fever. Fever alone is not an illness, it is only a symptom. The association of other symptoms, such as a rash or a cough, help to identify the illness. Higher fevers are not necessarily associated with more severe illnesses, though they are associated with more discomfort, warranting relief with baths and anti-fever medications. Any fever in a baby less than two months of age must be reported to and evaluated by your child’s doctor.

What happens to the body during a fever?» Open answer

An elevated body temperature increases the body’s metabolic rate. This slows down the growth of germs and helps the body fight infection. The skin may appear flushed and warm as a response to fever, allowing heat to dissipate via the skin.

What is the ideal way to measure body temperature?» Open answer

Measuring the “core” body temperature would be ideal. The core temperature is the temperature of the vital organs such as the heart and brain. Since these sites are not directly accessible, other sites for temperature measurement have been identified.

What should I do when my child has a fever?» Open answer

1. Remain calm.

2. Monitor the fever and other symptoms.

3. If your child has a fever, adjust his/her the clothing to allow heat to dissipate. Anti-fever medicines can help reduce the fever, as can a lukewarm sponge bath. Aspirin is generally not recommended for children with a fever.

4. If your child appears ill, or if you are in doubt, always consult your doctor.

5. A fever in a baby less than two months of age must be reported to and evaluated by your child’s doctor.

6. Wash your hands frequently to limit the spread of infections.

What should I do if my child has a febrile seizure?» Open answer

Febrile seizures can occur in young children, usually under six years of age. Febrile seizures tend to occur if the body temperature is rising very quickly at the beginning of an illness. During a simple febrile seizure, the child may have uncontrollable and rhythmic generalized shaking movements, usually lasting less than five minutes. Afterwards, the child may be sleepy.

  • Remain calm.
  • Lay your child on one side in a stable position.
  • Loosen any tight clothing.
  • Do not place anything in the child’s mouth.
  • Be sure to consult your doctor after any febrile seizure occurs.

When and how often should the temperature be taken?» Open answer

If your child appears to be sick, take his/her temperature to see if there’s a fever. A thermometer is more accurate than guessing with your touch. Repeated measurements can be taken every few hours, or more frequently, as needed to determine whether your child is responding to a particular treatment. This information is often useful for your doctor too.

How often does a baby have a fever? Do older children and adults get fevers less often?» Open answer

Babies and young children commonly have up to 12 infections per year, and seven of them are febrile infections. They are often harmless illnesses, e. g. a sore throat or a cold. But some are more significant, e. g. acute ear infections. They can also indicate life-threatening diseases, such as meningitis.

Children of school age have approximately three febrile infections per year, while adults suffer from approximately two.

What kind of information can I provide my doctor about the fever?» Open answer

Fever indicates an inflammation, and the fever pattern may indicate the type of the disease. A single spot measurement doesn’t give enough information to your pediatrician or physician. It is very helpful if you measure the temperature at home several times and record the results. Note how you measured the temperature and what your normal temperature range is.

Give your doctor information about the maximum temperature measured, the variance during the day, for how many hours the fever was rising and how long the fever has lasted.

All About

If your body temperature is consistently above your normal temperature range, you are said to have a fever. Fevers are a defence mechanism the body uses to fight infections and are therefore frequently associated with illnesses. Yet fevers alone are not an illness, only a symptom.

Babies and young children commonly have up to 12 infections per year, and on average seven of these cause a fever. Many of them are harmless, such as a sore throat or a cold. But they can be more dangerous, including acute ear infections, or even life-threatening, like meningitis. On average, school-age children have around three febrile infections per year and adults two.

Normal temperature range

Each of us has our own normal temperature range, and it is a good idea to know what it is. Why? Because it helps you determine when you actually have a fever, and when you do, it is useful for your doctor to know what your normal temperature range actually is.

It is also a good idea to record the normal temperature range of all members of your family.

Your normal temperature range can vary slightly depending on how the measurement is taken and on your age. The most effective approach to determining your normal temperature range is to measure your temperature several times per day on consecutive days using the same measurement method. You should of course be healthy when this is done.

Caring for a sick child or adult

If a family member seems to be ill, see if he has a fever by taking his temperature. Use a thermometer, of course, which is much more accurate than guessing by touch. Taking temperature measurements every few hours will show whether he is responding to a particular treatment. This information can be useful for your doctor too.

If you determine that your baby has a fever, you have to be more careful. If the baby is less than two months old or showing other signs of illness, or if you don’t know what to do, contact your doctor immediately.

Some steps you can take if your baby has a fever:

  • adjust his clothing to release heat
  • ensure your baby drinks enough fluids, preferably water, to avoid dehydration
  • give him anti-fever medication, upon your doctor’s guidance. Aspirin is generally not recommended for babies (or children) with a fever

Most importantly, you must remain calm, monitor your baby’s fever and other symptoms, and wash your hands frequently to prevent the spread of infection to other members of the household.

Information on this website is not intended to take the place of medical advice, and thermometer readings should not be relied upon as a substitute for your doctor’s diagnosis.

Glass versus digital thermometers

Mercury glass thermometers, although hard to read, have been used for years to measure temperatures in the rectum, mouth or under the arm (but not the ear). They are no longer recommended because they can break easily and release toxic mercury.

Electronic digital thermometers offer a number of advantages over glass thermometers. They obtain temperature readings faster, and their digital display is easy to read. There is also no risk of injury from broken glass or mercury.

Infrared thermometers

Infrared thermometers measure heat generated by surfaces and cavities. The key advantage of this type of thermometer is its speed—it takes just seconds to get a temperature reading.

Infrared ear thermometers measure the heat generated by the eardrum and surrounding tissue. They give an accurate temperature on an easy-to-read digital display in just a few seconds. In addition, because the ear is easily accessed and the measurement is fast, they are ideal for use with children.

Infrared skin thermometers measure the infrared heat produced by the skin at other sites on the body, such as the forehead, temple or under the arm. Because the sensors do not measure the temperature below the skin surface, the measurements may not accurately reflect the core body temperature.

Temperatures are taken most commonly in the ear (tympanic), in the mouth (orally), in the bottom (rectally) or under the arm (axillary). Each method is considered accurate when done correctly. Except for ear thermometers, most digital thermometers are universal, meaning you can take oral, rectal or underarm measurements. Temperature readings can differ slightly depending on the method, so be sure to use the same method for the sake of consistency.

Rectal

Taking a baby’s rectal temperature is not difficult and does not have to be uncomfortable for either the baby or the parent. There are some thermometers designed especially for rectal measurements that make it fast and easy.

Here’s how it’s done:

  • Lay your baby on either his belly or back on a comfortable, firm, flat surface—across your lap, on a changing table, sofa or even on the floor.
  • If you lay your baby on his back, hold his legs up just as you would to change his nappy. If on his belly, position him so that his bottom sticks up a bit by tucking his knees under or letting his legs drape over your lap.
  • Dab some lubricating jelly onto the short, round tip of the thermometer.
  • Carefully insert the thermometer tip into the rectum (anus) until the metal tip is no longer showing (approximately one centimetre).

A reading of 38°C or higher is generally considered a fever.

Once you’ve used the thermometer to take a rectal temperature, make a mental note to clean the thermometer, using hot soapy water or rubbing alcohol, before it is accidentally used by someone else for other types of temperature taking. Consider buying more than one thermometer, so that one can be designated “for rectal use only”.

Forehead

Forehead temperature taking is a gentle way to monitor a fever. Forehead thermometers measure the infrared energy emitted from the skin above the eyebrow area and the surrounding tissue. This energy is collected through the lens and converted to a temperature value.

Here’s how it’s done:

  • Ensure your child rests for at least 30 minutes before the temperature measurement.
  • Remove hair, sweat and dirt from the temperature taking area before placing the sensor.

A reading of 37.5°C or higher is generally considered as fever.

Underarm

This is a safe and straightforward method for children of all ages:

  • Make sure your child’s clothing doesn’t come between the thermometer and the skin.
  • Tuck the thermometer tip high up in the armpit and hold it in place by lowering the child’s arm and keeping it snug against his chest long enough to get the temperature reading.

A reading of 37°C or higher is generally considered as fever.

Oral

Oral temperature taking is generally recommended for children who are at least four years of age and can easily hold the thermometer in their mouth.

When taking an oral temperature:

  • Make sure your child has not had a hot or cold drink within the previous 30 minutes and that he sits still throughout the process.
  • Gently place the tip of the thermometer under one side of your child’s tongue, toward the back of the mouth.
  • Instruct your child to hold the thermometer securely in place using his lips and hands. If you use a digital thermometer, which is more resilient than glass ones, your child can bite down to hold the thermometer in place. You may have to help out the first few times by holding it steady.
  • The thermometer tip must not be exposed to air flow during breathing because evaporation cools down the sensor. Have your child breathe through his nose.

A reading of 37.5°C or higher is generally considered a fever.

Ear

Ear measurements are gentle, easy and fast, and thus preferred by many parents. However, the temperature often varies between readings, leading to the misconception that ear thermometers are inaccurate. To minimise this effect, it’s very important to use the correct ear thermometer. Look for one with a small, pre-warmed tip and positioning aid to ensure accurate readings every time.

The ear is an easily accessible site, making ear thermometers simple to use. As with any thermometer, be sure your child is sitting still before taking a reading. Follow the manufacturer’s instruction when using the ear thermometer. Ear readings take just seconds.

A reading of 38°C or higher is generally considered as fever.

Thanks to its advanced technology, the Braun Thermoscan is one of the most accurate and reliable ear thermometers on the market. Unlike with other thermometers, you only have to take the reading once.