Record temperature

If you want to take a person's body temperature, use the method that gives the most accurate result. For babies and children under the age of five, it is best to take the temperature rectally, because then the result is the most accurate. In older children and adults you can take the temperature orally. An alternative method for people of all ages is to take the temperature under the armpit. However, this method is less accurate and should not be relied upon if you are concerned that the person in question has a fever.

Choose a method

1. Oral: for adults and older children. Babies cannot hold the thermometer in their mouth.
2. Under the armpit: Too inaccurate to use on babies. Use this method for a quick check and switch to another method if the body temperature is above 37°C.
3. Rectal: The recommended method for babies because of its accuracy.

   Steps

   Method 1 of 5: Taking body temperature orally

   

   Step 1. Use a digital multithermometer or an oral digital thermometer

   Some digital thermometers are designed to be used rectally, orally, and under the armpit, while others are designed for oral use only. Both types of thermometers give an accurate result. You can buy digital thermometers at the drugstore.

   If you have an old glass thermometer, it is best not to use it anymore. Glass thermometers are now considered unsafe because they contain mercury, which is poisonous when touched. If the thermometer snaps, a dangerous situation arises

   

   Step 2. Wait 20 minutes after taking a bath or shower

   A warm bath or shower can affect the child's body temperature, so wait at least 20 minutes to make sure you can take the temperature as accurately as possible.

   

   Step 3. Prepare the tip of the thermometer

   Clean it with rubbing alcohol or soap and warm water, then rinse it with cool water and dry it thoroughly.

   

   Step 4. Turn on the thermometer and put it under the tongue

   Make sure the tip is completely inside the mouth and under the tongue, rather than near the lips. The person's tongue should completely cover the tip of the thermometer.

   • When taking your child's temperature, hold the thermometer or tell your child to hold the thermometer.
   • Try to move the thermometer as little as possible. If the person is upset, agitated, or is vomiting, take the temperature under the armpit.

   

   Step 5. Remove the thermometer when it beeps

   Check the digital display to determine if the person has a fever. A body temperature higher than 38°C is considered a fever. If your baby has even a slight fever, contact your doctor. Children and adults do not need to see a doctor unless their body temperature is above 38.5°C.

   It may not be necessary to see a doctor, but it is best to follow his or her advice

   

   Step 6. Clean the thermometer before storing it

   Use warm soapy water and dry the thermometer thoroughly before storing.

   Method 2 of 5: Taking your armpit body temperature

   

   Step 1. Use a digital multi-thermometer

   Look for a digital thermometer designed to take body temperature rectally, orally, and under the armpit. That way you can first take the temperature under the armpit. If the body temperature is on the high side, you can try another method afterwards.

   If you still have an old glass thermometer, it's best to throw it away. The thermometer may burst and the mercury in the thermometer is poisonous

   

   Step 2. Turn on the thermometer and insert it under the armpit

   Lift the arm, insert the thermometer and lower the arm so that the tip of the thermometer is in the center of the armpit and stays there. The entire tip should be covered by the arm.

   

   Step 3. Remove the thermometer when it beeps

   Check the digital display to find out if the person has a fever. A body temperature higher than 38°C is considered a fever. However, it is not necessary to go to the doctor immediately unless the body temperature is above a certain value:

   • If your baby shows signs of fever, call the doctor, regardless of body temperature.
   • If an older child or adult has a fever, call the doctor if the body temperature is 38.5 °C or higher.

   

   Step 4. Clean the thermometer before storing it

   Use warm soapy water and dry the thermometer thoroughly before storing.

   Method 3 of 5: Taking body temperature rectally

   

   Step 1. Use a digital multithermometer or a rectal digital thermometer

   Some digital thermometers are intended to be used rectally, orally and under the armpit, while others are intended specifically for taking body temperature rectally. Both types of thermometers give an accurate result. You can buy digital thermometers at the drugstore.

   • Look for a model with a wide handle and a tip that you can't insert too far into the anus. This makes the process easier and prevents you from inserting the thermometer too far into the anus.
   • Do not use an old glass thermometer, as it is considered unsafe. If such a thermometer breaks, it could create a dangerous situation because the mercury in the thermometer is poisonous.

   

   Step 2. Wait 20 minutes after bathing or swaddling

   A warm bath or proper swaddling can affect the child's body temperature, so wait at least 20 minutes to make sure you can take the temperature as accurately as possible.

   

   Step 3. Prepare the tip of the thermometer

   Clean it with rubbing alcohol or soap and warm water, then rinse it with cool water and dry it thoroughly. Lubricate the tip with petroleum jelly to make it easier to insert.

   

   Step 4. Lay the child down comfortably

   Lay the child on your stomach on your lap or on your back on a firm surface. Choose the position that is most comfortable for the child and in which you can reach the anus as best as possible.

   

   Step 5. Turn on the thermometer

   Most digital thermometers have a clearly marked button that you must press to turn the tool on. Wait a short while to get the thermometer ready to take the temperature.

   

   Step 6. Hold the child's buttocks apart and gently insert the thermometer into the anus

   Use one hand to hold the child's buttocks apart and the other hand to insert the thermometer about an inch and a half into the anus. Stop if you feel resistance.

   Hold the thermometer in place by holding it between your thumb and middle finger. Hold your other hand firmly but gently on the child's bottom so that he or she remains calm. If the child becomes restless or moves, remove the thermometer and calm him or her. Try again when the child is calm

   

   Step 7. Carefully remove the thermometer from the anus when it beeps

   Read the thermometer to determine if the child has a fever. A body temperature of 38°C or higher is considered a fever.

   • Call the doctor if your baby has a fever with a body temperature of 38°C or higher.
   • If it is an older child or adult with a fever, call the doctor if the body temperature is 38.5 °C or higher.

   

   Step 8. Clean the thermometer before storing it

   Use warm soapy water and rubbing alcohol to thoroughly clean the tip.

   Method 4 of 5: Taking the ear temperature

   

   Step 1. Use a digital ear thermometer

   These thermometers are specially designed for use in your ear and measure the temperature from your eardrum. Choose a thermometer with plastic sheaths so you can't spread germs.

   Ear thermometers will not work on babies or children under 6 months of age because their ears are too small

   

   Step 2. Stay indoors for 15 minutes before taking a measurement

   Hot or cold temperatures outside may cause an inaccurate reading. Before you have a temperature measurement with an ear thermometer, you have to wait at least 15 minutes.

   

   Step 3. Pull your ear up and back

   When taking a child's temperature, gently pull the ear straight back to open the ear canal. If you're taking an adult's temperature, pull it up and back slightly.

   Earwax can cause an inaccurate reading, so clean your ears if they're dirty

   

   Step 4. Turn on the thermometer and insert the tip into your ear

   Read the instructions on your thermometer, as it may have specific instructions on how to use it. Turn on the thermometer and gently place it in your ear. Do not use force and do not press hard or you may damage your eardrum.

   

   Step 5. Remove the thermometer when it beeps

   Follow the specific instructions on your thermometer for measuring the temperature. Usually you have to hold down a button or turn on a switch. Wait for the thermometer to signal you before removing it from your ear so you can check your reading.

   • Wash or throw away the used case so you don't transfer dirt.
   • The ear temperature is usually 0.3°C - 0.6°C higher than the oral temperature.

   Method 5 of 5: Taking your forehead temperature

   

   Step 1. Use a digital forehead thermometer

   Buy a thermometer made especially for your forehead, as other models don't have the accuracy you need. These types of thermometers are slightly more expensive than standard thermometers, but you can use them on adults and babies from 3 months.

   Do not use analog forehead strips as they are not accurate enough

   

   Step 2. Place the thermometer's sensor on your forehead

   Turn on the thermometer and press the sensor flat on your forehead. Be careful not to lift the sensor or you will not get an accurate reading.

   Make sure to brush your hair out of the way and remove anything that covers your forehead

   

   Step 3. Slide the thermometer to the top of your ear

   Slowly swipe the thermometer straight across your forehead. Be careful not to lift the sensor off your skin, otherwise you won't be able to measure an accurate temperature.

   Read the instructions on your thermometer carefully. Newer models may not require you to move across your forehead

   

   Step 4. Check your temperature when you reach your hairline

   When you get to your hairline, remove the thermometer from your skin and look at the screen to determine your temperature. If you are an adult, call a doctor if your temperature is above 39°C. When taking a baby's temperature, consult a pediatrician if the temperature is above 38°C.

   Forehead temperatures are typically 0.3 - 0.6°C lower than an oral temperature

   Tips

   • Always see a doctor if you are concerned about your child's health.
   • Use a separate digital thermometer to take the temperature rectally. This way you can work hygienically. If you buy a special rectal thermometer, it probably has a tip in a different color.
   • It is best to buy covers for the tip of your thermometer, especially if you are using it with several people. This helps to keep the thermometer clean.
   • At a body temperature between 37.5°C and 38°C, there is an increase. If you have a body temperature of 38°C, you have a low fever. At 40 °C there is a high fever. These are general guidelines.

   Warnings

   • Always disinfect a thermometer immediately after use.
   • Call your doctor or go to the emergency room if your baby has a body temperature of 38°C or higher.
   • Properly dispose of a mercury thermometer. Even the tiny amount of mercury in a thermometer is large enough to cause a lot of damage to the environment when released. Mercury thermometers belong to small chemical waste (kca). You can take small chemical waste to the recycling center or the waste separation station of your municipality.