As for that gray area in between a fever and the high end of a healthy temperature? Ford explains. Persistent low-grade or high-grade fevers could signal that something else is going on in your body. Young kids generally tend to push thermometer readings higher than adults. Studies show that core body temperature decreases with age. Hypothyroidism , or an underactive thyroid, can also slow down metabolism, which can lead to a drop in body temperature.
Hypothermia is a medical emergency, so call if you suspect you or someone else has hypothermia. Consider that the ideal time to take your temperature given the important health information the reading provides. Know this, though: Body temperatures typically run a little lower in the morning and a bit higher in the afternoon. Children with relatively high fevers may not look or act particularly sick. Treating a fever depends on the degree of discomfort. If your child is uncomfortable or restless, these home care strategies may help:.
If your baby is less than 3 months old and has a fever, it's important to get medical help immediately. Adults with fevers of F The main goal of treatment is to relieve discomfort and help you get rest. Seek emergency medical care if your child has a fever after being left in a hot car or involved in another such potentially dangerous situation and shows any of these warning signs:.
Because of the potential for mercury exposure or ingestion, glass mercury thermometers have been phased out and are no longer recommended. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health. Error Email field is required. Error Include a valid email address. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information and to understand which information is beneficial, we may combine your e-mail and website usage information with other information we have about you.
If we combine this information with your PHI, we will treat all of that information as PHI, and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of privacy practices. But in the age of COVID, in which fever is a main symptom, how does this shift affect how doctors determine a high body temperature?
New data seem to point to temperatures trending downward in the last century and a half. One study that looked at body temperatures since found a steady decline a fraction of a degree every decade, even when accounting for different methods of measuring temperatures.
Doctors are now recognizing this variation in temperatures. Taroyan says that many factors can influence the average temperature range. For example, does body temperature change during the day? If body temperatures vary from person to person, do fevers, as well? A very bad infection, such as sepsis , may also cause an abnormal low body temperature.
Heatstroke occurs when the body fails to control its own temperature and body temperature keeps rising. Symptoms of heatstroke include mental changes such as confusion, delirium, or unconsciousness and skin that is red, hot, and dry, even under the armpits.
Heatstroke can be deadly. It needs emergency medical treatment. It causes severe dehydration and can cause body organs to stop working. Take your temperature a few times when you are well. This will help you find out what is normal for you. Check your temperature in both the morning and evening. Body temperature can vary by as much as 0.
Glass thermometers that contain mercury are not recommended. If you have a glass thermometer, contact your local health unit to find out how to dispose of it safely. If you break a glass thermometer, call your local poison control centre right away.
Before you take a temperature, read the instructions for how to use your type of thermometer. Some common ways to take a temperature are described below. Oral by mouth is the most common method of taking a temperature.
This method can be used for children who are older than 5 years of age. For you to get an accurate reading, the person must be able to breathe through his or her nose. If this is not possible, use the rectum, ear, or armpit to take the temperature. This is the most accurate way to measure body temperature.
It is recommended for babies , small children, and people who can't hold a thermometer safely in their mouths. Use a rectal thermometer only if you are comfortable doing so. It is also used when it is very important to get the most accurate reading. Do not use a thermometer to take an oral temperature after it has been used to take a rectal temperature.
Taking a temperature in the armpit may not be as accurate as taking an oral or rectal temperature. This method is recommended for children older than 2 years. Ear thermometers may need to be cleaned before they are used. Taking an oral temperature causes only mild discomfort. You have to keep the thermometer under your tongue and hold it in place with your lips. Taking a rectal temperature can cause a little discomfort, but it should not be painful.
Taking an ear temperature causes little or no discomfort. The probe is not inserted very far into the ear, and it gives a reading in only a few seconds. Taking an armpit temperature does not cause any discomfort. There is very little chance of a problem from taking a temperature. When taking a rectal temperature, do not push the thermometer in more than 1.
Pushing it farther can be painful and may damage the rectum. If you tell your doctor about your temperature reading, be sure to say where it was taken: in the mouth, rectum, armpit, or ear.
But that may not be normal for you. Your temperature also changes during the day. It is usually lowest in the early morning. It may rise as much as 0. Your temperature may also rise by 0. A woman's body temperature often changes by 0. It peaks around the time she ovulates. A rectal or ear temperature of less than A temperature reading may not be accurate if:. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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