We oftentimes notice that we may have a fever if our forehead feels like a little warmer than usual. However, to confirm a fever, we need to use a thermometer to get an accurate reading of what the temperature of our body is. There are several different types of thermometer:
Rectal Thermometer (*Electronic)
- A rectal thermometer measures the body temperature when placed in the anus. It is most often used for children younger than 6 months of age. Do NOT use if you have had recent rectal surgery or injury, hemorrhoids, or diarrhea. A rectal temperature > 100.4 °F indicates a fever.
Oral Thermometer (*Electronic)
- An oral thermometer measures the temperature of the body when placed in the mouth. It is easy to use but temperature readings may change depending on certain factors such as whether or not you have just eaten, exercised, or smoked. An oral temperature > 99.7 °F indicates a fever.
Axillary Thermometer (*Electronic)
- An axillary thermometer measures the temperature of the body when placed under the armpit. It is convenient to use but temperature readings may be affected if the person moves the arm during the reading. In addition, it is not as accurate as a rectal or oral thermometer. An axillary temperature >99.3 °F indicates a fever.
Ear thermometer (*Infrared)
- An ear thermometer measures the temperature of the body when placed in the ear. It is easy to use and convenient but it is NOT recommended for children < 6 months old or for anyone who has had a recent injury to the ear or an ear surgery. An ear temperature >100 °F indicates a fever.
Temporal thermometer (*Infrared)
- A temporal thermometer measures the temperature of the body when it slides straight across the forehead and to the earlobe. It is the most non-invasive kind of thermometer but do NOT use it over scar tissue, open sores, or cuts. A temporal temperature >98.6 °F indicates a fever.
*Electronic thermometers are usually in the shape of a pen or pacifier and give a digital reading anywhere between 10-60 seconds. It requires batteries to operate but is relatively cheap to buy.
*Infrared thermometers give a digital reading in less than 5 seconds. It also uses batteries to operate and is relatively expensive to buy.
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