One part of an immune response the body may undergo when sick is an increase in body temperature, which is known as a fever. Modern thermometers can give an accurate reading of the body’s temperature, which can be important in treating a sick person and keeping an eye on their condition.
Let’s take a look at how to use a thermometer, the different kinds of thermometers, and how to regulate body temperature.
Different types of thermometers
Digital thermometers
Digital thermometers are simple to use and give fast, accurate temperature readings when used correctly. They’re popular in both domestic and medical settings.
Digital thermometers can be designed to be used in the ear, under the tongue, under the arm or in the rectum.
Infrared thermometers
Infrared thermometers are designed to take a reading from the forehead, ear or wrist of a patient without having to touch the skin. Infrared forehead thermometers read the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead.
Mercury thermometers
Mercury glass thermometers are no longer available to buy, as they are unsafe for use. Mercury thermometers can break, potentially leading to injury from shards of glass or exposure to poisonous mercury.
How to use a thermometer
It’s always important to read the enclosed manufacturer’s instructions with your thermometer.
For accurate readings, it’s important to ensure the thermometer is placed in the correct spot. Make sure to identify what sort of thermometer you have, and whether it reads the temperature from the ear, mouth, armpit or rectum. Make sure the device is clean and dry before using.
Ear temperature
When using a digital ear thermometer, gently pull the ear back and out and insert the thermometer into the ear canal. Some devices have a button that needs to be pressed to start the reading. The device will beep or flash when the temperature has been taken, and you can remove the thermometer.
Infrared ear thermometers are used similarly, by inserting the probe into the ear. The device will usually require a new disposable probe for each use.
Oral temperature
Before using a thermometer in the mouth, make sure it’s been sterilised. The thermometer tip should be placed under the tongue, near the back of the mouth. The patient should close their lips around the thermometer. Leave the device in place until it beeps or flashes.
Armpit temperature
Many oral thermometers can also be used in the armpit, which is a good option for babies or young children to avoid injury by sudden movements. The tip of the thermometer should be placed directly against the skin in the armpit, with the arm held against it. Hold it in place until the beep or flash.
Infrared temporal artery thermometer
Point the device at the centre of the forehead, but do not touch it to the skin. An infrared temporal artery thermometer will usually have a button to press to begin the reading.
Taking a child’s temperature
To take a child or baby’s temperature, armpit temperature readings are often the best option. This way, the reading can still be accurate even if the infant or child moves. If the patient moves during the reading and you’re unsure if it’s accurate, take it again just to be sure.
For older children, ear, armpit or oral readings can be used. Ask the child to stay still while the reading is taken.
What is normal body temperature?
There are many factors that can influence the body temperature of an individual, including their age, the time of day, how the reading is taken, and what they have been doing.
However, the average person has a baseline temperature of around 37°C. The range of normal temperature is from 36.4°C to 37.2°C.
A body temperature of 38°C or higher is classed as a fever.
When to be concerned about a fever
Babies and small children
If a baby less than 3 months old has a fever, see a doctor right away.
Seek immediate medical attention if a baby, in addition to a fever, also has any of the following symptoms:
- Difficulty breathing
- Listlessness
- Losing consciousness or having a seizure
For babies and small children with a fever, see a doctor if they also have any of the following signs:
- Not taking fluids and are showing signs of dehydration
- Vomiting
- Have had a fever for more than three days
- Have a temperature 38.9°C or higher
Adults
If an adult has a temperature of 39.4°C or higher, seek health advice. In addition, seek immediate medical attention if a fever is accompanied with a stiff neck, confusion, sensitivity to bright light, a seizure or a severe headache.
What causes a fever?
In most cases, a fever is caused by an infection. A temporary rise in the temperature of the body is one response from the immune system designed to fight infection.
White blood cells fight infections in the body. When you’re sick, your body makes more of these cells, which affects the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus gets the signal to increase the temperature of the body.
How does the circulatory system help maintain body temperature?
The circulatory system transports blood throughout the body. If the body needs to cool down, the blood vessels near the skin can dilate, allowing more heat from the blood to be released from the body. To keep the heat in the body, the blood vessels constrict.
How to regulate body temperature when sick
The best thing you can do when you have a fever is stay hydrated and rest. If your baby or child is sick, focus on hydration, and don’t worry too much if they’re off their food. Babies and young children can get dehydrated very quickly so keeping on top of fluids is essential.
Wear light clothing and keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Medicines such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be taken to help relieve a fever.
Does COVID affect body temperature regulation?
A fever is a common symptom of COVID-19, but will not necessarily be experienced by everyone that has COVID. Some patients with COVID struggle to regulate their body temperature.
Because a fever is a common symptom of COVID, many establishments now use handheld thermometers to check for fever in people before admitting them. This can be useful in identifying people that are potentially infected with COVID before they enter the premises, which is especially important in places with vulnerable people such as aged care homes or hospitals. However, a high temperature itself cannot confirm that someone has COVID.
High quality thermometers with LFA First Response
High quality modern thermometers can give very accurate results, which is vital when caring for a sick person. LFA First Response stocks a range of thermometers including infrared ear thermometers such as Braun Thermoscans, digital clinical thermometers and disposable thermometers.
Get in touch with our friendly customer service team today, or order online.
