Checking your body temperature isn't hard at all. In fact, you don't need to do much. All you need is a thermometer!
The easiest way for you to check body temperature is to use a thermometer. Thermometers can show body temperature in either degrees Fahrenheit (ºF) or degrees Celsius (ºC).
Since there are different kinds of thermometers, make sure to read and follow the instructions that come with your thermometer.
The most accurate thermometer you can use to check temperature is a digital thermometer. These are easily available in pharmacies and supermarkets.
Ways to Use to Take Temperature:
A person's temperature can be taken in different ways:
Orally
Temperature is taken by the mouth. In taking temperature orally, the thermometer is placed under the tongue. Make sure the tip of the thermometer is thoroughly cleansed before and after use!
The oral method is used for adults and children 4 years old and over, who are capable of keeping a thermometer in their mouth.
Axillary
Temperature is taken under the arm. The thermometer is placed in the armpits of young children and adults who cannot keep the thermometer in their mouth.
This method is not as accurate, however, as taking it orally. Temperature taken axillary is usually 0.3-0.4 ºF lower than temperatures taken orally.
Rectally
Temperature is taken by the rectum. This method involves inserting the thermometer into the rectum. It is usually done in babies and children up to 3 years of age.
Temperatures taken rectally are usually 0.5-0.7 ºF higher than temperatures taken orally.
By Ear
Temperatures taken by the ear use special thermometers called tympanic thermometers. These thermometer measure the temperature of the ear drum by reading the infrared heat, which reflects the body's core temperature.
Tympanic thermometers are easy to use for older babies and children. However, they should not be used if the baby is 3 months old or younger, or if the child has an earache or too much earwax.
By Skin
This method also uses special thermometers called Temporal Artery thermometers which measure the temperature of the skin on the forehead. Similar to a tympanic thermometer, this thermometer also reads the infrared heat found on the forehead.
However, temporal artery thermometers tend to be more expensive, and less accurate than temperatures taken by digital thermometers.
No Thermometer?
You can still monitor temperature without a thermometer. You won't be able to calculate the exact temperature in degrees, but you'll be able to identify the general temperature of an individual.
Simply touch your chest and back. If you feel hotter or colder than usual, you might have high or low temperature respectively.
You can also observe your temperature through your symptoms.If you are feeling shivery (having chills), then you could have low temperature. Sweating and panting are also signs of having high temperature.
For more information on how to check one's temperature, you can check out this video:
Implications of Your Temperature
NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE:
Adults : 97.8 - 99 ºF or 36.5 - 37.2 ºC
Children : 97.4 - 100 ºF or 36.3 - 37.7 ºC
Temperatures beyond 100.4 ºF ( 38ºC ), are considered fevers. If you are having a fever, your body not feel good, but it's actually doing what its supposed to: fighting germs.
If your fever last for more than 3 days or your temperature goes beyond 103 ºF (39.4 ºC), call your doctor. Also call your doctor if your fever comes with symptoms like swelling, vomiting, headache, chest pain, stiff neck, and rash.
Fevers tend to be more complicated in children. Call your pediatrician if your child is:
Under 3 months and has a rectal temperatures of 100.4 F (38 ºC) or higher
Between 3 months and 3 years and has a rectal temperature over 102 F (38.8 ºC)
Older than 3 years and has an oral temperatures above 103 F (39.4 ºC)
Between 3 and 6 months and -- along with a fever -- is fussier or more uncomfortable than usual, or doesn’t seem alert
Sick enough for you to be concerned, regardless of what the thermometer says
Temperatures below 95 ºF (35 ºC) indicate hypothermia. If your body loses to much heat, it can be life threatening.
Hypothermia is especially concerning for babies and elderly. Babies cannot regulate temperature as good as adults, and thus it is important to keep them warm. Temperatures below 95 ºF (36.1ºC) is already too low for babies. Low body temperature in children and elderly is a sign that they're sick.
Opmerkingen