How to measure body temperature correctly

In every family medicine cabinet, especially for families with young children, a thermometer is a necessary tool and should be available to take care of each member's health. When there is a fever or other medical condition, especially when the corona virus is developing rapidly, it is important to determine how much body temperature. So what types of thermometers are there and how to use them effectively?

1. Measure the temperature with a mercury thermometer

Mercury thermometers, also known as mercury thermocouples, are the most common and popular thermometers not only found in open families at medical facilities. When using a mercury thermometer we can choose to measure at different positions on the body. Before measuring, flick the gauge slightly below the level of the red triangle.

Measure body temperature in armpits

Hold the thermometer in the armpit, pressing the elbow against the chest for about 4-5 minutes. For children measuring between 34.7 and 37.3 degrees, they do not have a fever. The same for adults. Usually adults will use the method of measuring the armpit temperature.

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Measure body temperature in mouth

Note not to do when eating or drinking hot food within 30 minutes. Before measuring, wash with soap, place the tip of the thermometer under the tongue, hold the thermometer with the lips, keeping the lips closed around the thermometer. With a mercury thermometer, you need to keep it for about 3 minutes and with a young electronic thermometer, it only needs to hold for less than 1 minute.

If a child measures between 35.5 and 37.5 degrees, there is no fever. For adults with a mouth temperature greater than 37.5 degrees Celsius, there is a sign of fever.

Measure the temperature at the anus

The method of measuring the body temperature in the anus will give absolutely accurate results. Dip a lubricant into the tip of the thermometer and then gently bring the thermometer bulb into the anus about 2 - 2.5 cm. Hold for 3 minutes then take out to read the results. When the anal temperature is 38 degrees C or higher, there are signs of fever. For adults, the anal temperature is greater than 37.6 degrees Celsius.

2. Electronic thermometer

The type of electronic thermometer that relies on the induction of heat in the areas that come into contact with the thermometer tip. Electronic thermometer is used for measurement at the mouth, armpit and anus positions.

1. Which forehead thermometer is good?

When the temperature is at the forehead, the thermometer needs to be centered and close to the forehead, swept from the center of the forehead to the temple, about 1-3 cm and wait for 60 seconds and get results. In the case of an in-ear temperature greater than 38.1 degrees Celsius, fever is present.

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3. Infrared thermometer

Infrared thermometer for measuring the temperature in the ear or the forehead. This measurement is the fastest, only takes less than 3 seconds, very convenient, easy to measure.

We need to pull the patient's ear flap back and then the button is measured. After about 1 - 3 seconds you can remove the thermometer and see the results. Having a fever at the ear of 38 degrees C or higher causes a fever. This method is only for children over 6 months old. If your baby has many earwax results will be inaccurate.

1. What kind of infrared thermometer is good?

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Note that children with signs of family fever should be monitored regularly to quickly take your baby to medical facilities, avoid high fever leading to convulsions.

Hope this article was helpful to you!