Temperature measurement locations that identify children with fever

The article is consulted professionally by Master, Dr Phan Ngoc Hai – PediatricIan – Newborn – Pediatrics – Newborn – Share99 Da Nang International Health Hub and Resident Doctor Duong Van Sy – Department of Pediatrics – Newborn – Share99 Hai Phong International Health Hub.

There are many ways to measure a child's temperature. In particular, measuring the temperature in the armpit is the least accurate method, but it is convenient for children under 3 months of age.

1. How to measure your child's temperature when he has a fever

There are many ways to measure body temperature, and each measurement will have different accuracy. Using temperature measurement in armpits is a safe and effective way to monitor body temperature, especially in young children. However, it is not the most accurate method. Therefore, if you suspect that the child has a fever, it is best to measure the temperature at the anus.

Currently, electronic thermometers are more commonly used and substitutes for mercury thermometers due to safety and for more accurate results.

Thermometer when the child has a fever

Electronic thermometers are more commonly used to measure body temperature when a child has a fever

1.1 How to measure the temperature in the anus

Rectal temperature measurement method:

  • Place the infant or young child on the stomach in the lap of the parent or caregiver.
  • Apply a small amount of vaseline or lubricant to the end of the thermometer.
  • Place the thermometer gently in the child's anus until the silver head of the thermometer is no longer visible (equivalent to about 1⁄4 – 1⁄2 inches ≈ 0.6 – 1.3 cm).
  • Keep the thermometer the same for about 2 minutes for the mercury thermometer and 1 minute for the electronic thermometer.
  • When the temperature in the anus > 100.4oF (equivalent to 38oC) means that the child has a fever.

1.2 How to measure the temperature in the mouth

The way to measure the temperature in the mouth is usually for children about 4 years of age and older, who have heard the words shut up when measuring. When using this method, parents note about 30 minutes earlier that the baby does not eat or drink cold or hot food to avoid incorrect parameters.

  • Rinse the thermometer with cold water and soap, then rinse with water again.
  • Place the thermometer head underneath the child's tongue and tell the child to keep the thermometer with his lips, keeping his lips closed around the thermometer for about 3 minutes for the mercury thermometer and 1 minute for the electronic thermometer.
  • When the temperature in the mouth is measured > 99.5oF (equivalent to 37.5oC) that means the child has a fever.

1.3 How to measure armpit temperature

  • Check that the thermometer is turned on.
  • Gently press the head of the thermometer into the middle of the armpit.
  • Hold your arm, or your child's arm, close to your body so that the thermometer stays in place.
  • Wait for the thermometer to read the temperature index. This will take about a minute or so. Wait until the thermometer is beeping.
  • Remove the thermometer from the armpit and read the temperature.
  • When the temperature in the armpit is measured > 99oF (equivalent to 37.2oC) that means the child has a fever.

1.4 How to measure ear temperature

To take the measurement temperature at the ear, you need a special ear thermometer. How to use:

  • Insert a probe into the thermometer and pop up according to the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Gently pull the ear rim outwards to open along the ear canal, gently pushing the thermometer into the ear canal until the thermometer is fully inserted
  • Press the read button and wait for the thermometer's notification to finish.
  • Remove the thermometer carefully and read the measured temperature
  • When the temperature in the ear > 100.4o (equivalent to 38oC) means that the child has a fever.

1.5 Forehead measurements

The forehead measurement method will help the baby feel comfortable, the measuring head does not need to come into direct contact with the forehead but still gives quite accurate results. Measuring the temperature in your forehead you need to equip an infrared thermometer to measure the forehead.

How to measure: Insert the infrared probe into the middle of the child's forehead. In order for the probe to be about 1-3 cm away from the child's forehead then press the measurement button, the result will be only about 1-3 seconds.

When the temperature in the forehead is 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher, the child has a fever

What to do when your child has a fever

When the child has a high fever, parents should take the child to a medical facility for examination

2. When your child has a fever, what should parents do?

Fever can make the child uncomfortable. When the child has a fever, especially high fever, parents need to observe more about the behavior and appearance of the child, accompanied by other symptoms, if any should be considered by medical staff.

The majority of cases of fever can be monitored and treated at home. However, it is important for parents and caregivers to know when to take a child to the doctor and when to give them antipyretics.

Fever makes the child tired and sore. Therefore, when a child has afever, parents should encourage them to rest as they wish. There is no need to force the child to sleep or rest if he feels better. Children can go back to school or participate in other activities when their temperature has returned to normal after 24 hours.

When the child has a fever, parents must be calm and master the knowledge, how to measure the temperature where and how to be able to measure the child's body temperature correctly. The child's temperature should be monitored continuously for the prevention of cases of high fever that cause seizures.

Children at any stage are very susceptible to the pathology that causes the body to have a fever. The pediatrics department at Share99 International Health Hub is the address to receive and examine the diseases that babies as well as young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in children,… With a system of modern facilities, medical equipment, ionile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of spreading diseases, Share99 will bring satisfaction to customers and be highly appreciated by industry experts with:

  • Gathering a team of leading doctors in Pediatrics:including leading experts, highly specialized (professors, associate professors, doctors, masters), experienced, used to work at large hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are well-trained, professional, mind-centered, knowledgeable about the child's psychology. In addition to domestic pediatricians, pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) always pioneering the application of the latest and most effective treatment regimens.
  • Comprehensive services:In the field of Pediatrics, Share99 provides a chain of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatrics and Vaccines,… according to international standards to take care of your baby's health with parents from birth to adulthood
  • Intensive techniques:Share99 has successfully implemented many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery – skull, hematoma stem cell transplantation in cancer treatment.
  • Professional care:In addition to understanding the young psychology, Share99 also pay special attention to the children's play space, help them play comfortably and get acquainted with the hospital environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical examination and treatment.

For direct advice, please click hotline number or register online HERE. In addition, you can register for remote consultation HERE

SEE MORE:

  • Instructions for self-monitoring of infant temperatures
  • Share99 Times City Health Hub has its own general and endoscopic health examination area
  • Choosing and properly using antipyretics for babies

About: John Smith

b1ffdb54307529964874ff53a5c5de33?s=90&r=gI am the author of Share99.net. I had been working in Vinmec International General Hospital for over 10 years. I dedicate my passion on every post in this site.

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