Content

• Steps
• Advice
• Warning

When you have to measure someone's temperature, use the method that gives the most accurate results. For babies and young children under the age of five, a rectal thermometer will give the most accurate results. For older children and adults, oral temperature is preferable. Another temperature measurement that works for all ages is under the armpits, but this is not as accurate as other temperature measurement methods, and if you are worried someone might have a fever then you don't should believe in this result.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Oral Temperature Measurement

1. 

   This method is for older children and adults. As long as the person taking the thermometer is able to keep the thermometer in his or her mouth, below it, until it beeps, you can do so. Do not try to take an infant's temperature by mouth, as the baby cannot hold a thermometer.

2. 

   
   
   Use a reusable thermometer or an oral digital thermometer. Some digital thermometers are designed for the anal, oral or armpit use only, while others are designed specifically for oral measurements. Both thermometers give accurate results. You can find electronic thermometers at the drug store.
   • If you have a long-standing glass thermometer, discard it, do not continue to use it for temperature measurements. Today's glass thermometers are considered unsafe because they contain mercury, which can cause poisoning if exposed.

3. 

   
   
   Wait 20 minutes after showering. Taking a warm bath can affect a child's temperature, so wait 20 minutes before taking a measurement to get the most accurate reading.

4. 

   Prepare a thermometer probe. Rinse with soap containing rubbing alcohol and warm water, then rinse with cold water and dry thoroughly.

5. 

   
   
   Turn the thermometer on and place it under the tongue. Make sure the probe is completely inside the mouth, below the tongue, not near the lips. The tongue should cover the thermometer probe completely.
   • If you are measuring a thermometer for a young child, you can either hold it in place or show your child how to do it.
   • Try to move the thermometer as little as possible.

6. 

   Remove thermometer from mouth after beep. Look at the display to determine if the person has a fever. Any temperature above 38 degrees Celsius is considered a fever, but the sick person does not need to be taken to the doctor right away, unless the fever exceeds a certain temperature:
   • If the child is older than 5 months, call your doctor if the temperature is 38.3 degrees C or higher.
   • If the person with a fever is an adult, call your doctor when the temperature is 40 degrees C or higher.

7. 

   Rinse the thermometer before storing it. Use warm water and soap, and dry thoroughly before storing for next use. advertisement

Method 2 of 3: Measuring Armpit Temperature

1. 

   Understand that this method is less accurate than other temperature measurement methods. Since the external body temperature can vary greatly depending on environmental factors, this is a less accurate method than it would be for anal or oral measurements. However, the armpit temperature measurement is easier to perform because it has less to be taken into the body. If you choose this method and the thermometer indicates a temperature higher than 37.2 degrees Celsius, you need to see more accurate results by taking a measurement again anal or mouth.
   • If you are taking a baby's temperature, the only method you should use is an anal measurement. Every small temperature section is also important when you are measuring a baby's temperature.

2. 

   Use a multi-purpose electronic thermometer. Look for electronic thermometers that are designed for use in the anus, mouth or armpits. With such a thermometer, you can take the temperature in the armpit first, then if the temperature is too high, you can try another method.
   • If you have an old glass thermometer, discard it, not continue using it for temperature measurements. Glass thermometers are considered unsafe because they contain mercury, which is toxic to contact.

3. 

   Turn the thermometer on and put it in your armpits. Lift your arm up, put the thermometer in, and then lower it so that the tip of the thermometer is in the center of your armpit. The thermometer head must be completely covered.

4. 

   Remove thermometer after beep. Look at the display to determine if the person has a fever. Any temperature above 38 degrees Celsius is considered a fever, but it is not necessary to bring the sick person to the doctor right away, unless the fever exceeds a certain temperature:
   • If the child is older than 5 months, call your doctor if the temperature is 38.3 degrees C or higher.
   • If the person with a fever is an adult, call your doctor when the temperature is 40 degrees C or higher.

5. 

   Rinse the thermometer before storing it. Use warm water and soap and dry it thoroughly before storing it for next use. advertisement

Method 3 of 3: Anal Temperature Measurement

1. 

   Use this method for babies. Taking a rectal temperature will give you the most accurate results for this subject. Infants cannot hold the thermometer firmly in their mouth, so oral measurements cannot be used. The armpit measurement is less accurate than other methods, so it should not be used. With only the anal measurement left, which is not difficult to do once you have mastered how to do it.
   • You can keep using this method as long as it works for your family. Once your baby is old enough to hold the thermometer under the tongue, you can switch to oral temperature.

2. 

   Use a reusable thermometer or an anal thermometer. Some digital thermometers are designed for the anal, oral or armpit use only, while others are specifically designed for rectal use only. Both thermometers give accurate results. You can find electronic thermometers at the drug store.
   • Look for a thermometer that has a wide bar and the tip of the thermometer that cannot go too deep into your anus. This thermometer will make it easier to measure and will prevent you from inserting the thermometer too deeply into your anus.
   • If you have an old glass thermometer, discard it, not continue using it for temperature measurements.Glass thermometers are considered unsafe because they contain mercury, which is toxic to contact.

3. 

   Wait 20 minutes after bathing or incubating your baby. Taking a warm bath or after warming your baby can affect your baby's body temperature, so wait about 20 minutes to be sure of the most accurate reading.

4. 

   Prepare a thermometer probe. Rinse with soap containing rubbing alcohol and warm water, then rinse with cold water and dry thoroughly. Dip the probe into the lubricating oil for easier insertion.

5. 

   Place your baby comfortably. You can place your baby on his stomach on your lap or on his back on a firm surface. Choose the position that is most comfortable for your baby and most convenient for you to be able to insert a thermometer into your baby's anus.

6. 

   Turn on the thermometer. Most thermometers have a button that clearly displays, you just need to press the power button of the device. Wait a second or two for the thermometer to reset to temperature.

7. 

   Open the child's buttocks and gently insert the thermometer. Open the child's buttocks with one hand and bring the thermometer to about 2cm with the other. Stop if you feel something is in the way.
   • Keep the thermometer still by holding it between your thumb and middle finger. Meanwhile, the middle hand is tight but gently on the baby's buttocks to prevent the baby from moving.

8. 

   When it beeps, carefully remove the thermometer from your anus. Read the number on the thermometer only to determine if your baby has a fever. A temperature of 38 degrees C or higher is considered a fever.
   • If your baby is under 5 months old, call your doctor if the measured temperature is 38 degrees C or higher.
   • If the child is older than 5 months, call your doctor if the temperature is 38.3 degrees C or higher ..
   • If the person with a fever is an adult, call your doctor when the temperature is 40 degrees C or higher.

9. 

   Rinse the thermometer before storing it. Use warm soapy water and rubbing alcohol to clean the probe thoroughly. advertisement

Advice

• Always take your baby to a medical facility if you are concerned about his health.
• Automatic ear thermometers or plastic strip thermometers are not recommended. Neither of these types can give the exact same measurement results as electronic thermometers.
• Use a digital thermometer that is designed for rectal measurements. This will be more hygienic.
• A mild fever is about 38 degrees Celsius, and a high fever is 40 degrees Celsius. These are general guidelines.

Warning

• Call a health facility or go to the emergency room if your baby 3 months or younger has an anal temperature reading of 38.3 degrees C or higher.
• Always clean the thermometer immediately after use.
• Remove old mercury thermometers properly. Even a small amount of mercury in a thermometer is enough to cause harm to the environment if it is leaked. Get in touch with your city regarding hazardous waste disposal.