Normal body temperature depends on the
individual. Some people may run slightly higher temperatures
while others may run slightly lower temperatures. To determine
a person’s "baseline" temperature, measure
it several times during the day with a dependable digital
thermometer, as activity during different times of the day
may also affect temperature.
Generally, a normal temperature is approximately
98.6 °F when taken orally (by mouth). Temperatures taken
in the ear or in the rectum typically run 1° higher.
Therefore, normal temperature in the ear is 99.6 °F.
When discussing temperature information with your physician,
it is important to tell your doctor the temperature taking
method used. It is always advisable to consult with your
physician if you have any questions regarding your health,
including questions regarding your temperature.
How
to Take Your Infant's Temperature?
Virtually all children
will develop a fever at some time. While a fever indicates
that
the immune
system is actively fighting the source of the illness,
it can
make the child feel "sicker" (e.g. listless,
cranky) and can even cause hallucinations in older
children. Rapidly
rising fevers can cause seizures in younger children,
so it is advisable for all parents to feel comfortable
about
taking their children's temperatures. There are several
ways to take an infant’s temperature.
Rectal
All infants should have
their temperatures taken rectally for several reasons, including
accuracy. Rectal
temperatures are the most accurate and accuracy to tenths
of a degree is especially important for infants. A fever
greater than or equal to 100.4°F (38 ° C) in an infant
up to eight weeks of age is considered a medical emergency
until proven otherwise by a physician.
Oral
Oral
temperatures are extremely accurate if taken properly and
are generally much more comfortable for children over one
year of age.
Under
Arm (Axillary)
Auxiliary temperatures
such as under the arm are less accurate but can be used as
a crude screening method.
If the child or infant appears ill and the auxiliary temperature
is greater than 99 ° F, the temperature should be taken
again rectally or orally.
Technique
Proper technique when taking a child’s temperature
is very important. The most accurate readings are achieved
when the thermometer is properly placed for the right amount
of time as indicated in the thermometer’s directions.
Rectal temperatures may
be taken with digital thermometers.
Lay the baby lie face
down and apply a lubricant such as
petroleum jelly to the tip of the thermometer.
Gently insert
the thermometer into the anus no more than ½ inch.
Use your other hand to steady the baby by placing it in
the small of the back and leave the thermometer in until it beeps.
Oral temperatures
should be taken at least ten minutes after ingesting any
hot or cold drinks and accuracy depends on proper placement.
The thermometer's tip should rest under the tongue closer
to the back than the front. Children, especially infants,
often find holding the thermometer in the proper place
uncomfortable, resulting in inaccurate body temperature
readings. The design of the Timex Healthcare Accu-curve™ oral
thermometer positions the tip properly for an
accurate oral temperature reading and does not require
the child
to hold or bite down on the thermometer. Unlike other oral
thermometers, the Accu-curve™ does
not need to be held in place with the lips and fingers.
Axillary temperatures
should be taken in a dry armpit with the elbow held against
the chest for
at least five minutes.
Remember that with infants all readings above 99 ° F
should be confirmed with a rectal reading. For underarm temperatures,
we recommend the Timex Healthcare Acrobat™ thermometer.
Of Note-- Temperature
strips placed on the forehead or thermometers contained in
pacifiers
have not been
shown to be accurate
and are therefore not recommended.
Ear thermometers are accurate if
used properly in children older than one year of age and
generally read in one
second. When using an ear thermometer such as the
Timex Illuminator™,
it is important to follow the directions carefully to
ensure proper readings.
Temporal artery temperature scanners are also being developed
for professionals and home use, they are non-evasive
and generally read within 5-15 seconds.
