Temperature measurement locations determine the child has a fever

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Phan Ngoc Hai - Pediatrician - Neonatologist - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec International General Hospital Da Nang and resident doctor Duong Van Sy - Department of Pediatrics - Newborns - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital.
There are many ways to measure a child's temperature. In particular, measuring temperature in the armpit is the least accurate method, but convenient for babies under 3 months old.

1. How to measure body temperature when a child has a fever

There are many ways to measure body temperature, and each measurement will have different accuracy. Using an axillary thermometer is a safe and effective way to monitor body temperature, especially in young children. However, it is not the most accurate method. So, if you suspect your child has a fever, it's best to take the temperature rectally.
Currently, electronic thermometers are more commonly used and replaced mercury thermometers due to safety and more accurate results.

1.1 Rectal temperature measurement Rectal method:
Place an infant or child on his or her stomach in the lap of a parent or caregiver. Apply a small amount of vaseline or lubricant to the end of the thermometer. Place the thermometer gently into the child's anus until the silver tip of the thermometer is no longer visible (approximately 1⁄4 - 1⁄2 inch ≈ 0.6 - 1.3 cm). Hold the thermometer in place for about 2 minutes for a mercury thermometer and 1 minute for an electronic thermometer. When the rectal temperature is > 100.4oF (equivalent to 38oC), the child has a fever.
1.2 How to measure oral temperature Oral temperature measurement is usually for children aged 4 years and over, who have learned to keep their mouths shut when measuring. When using this method, parents should note that about 30 minutes before the baby does not eat or drink cold or hot food to avoid inaccurate parameters.
Wash the thermometer with cold water and soap, then rinse with water. Place the tip of the thermometer under the child's tongue and ask the child to hold the thermometer with his lips, keeping his lips closed around the thermometer for about 3 minutes for a mercury thermometer and 1 minute for an electronic thermometer. When the oral temperature is > 99.5oF (equivalent to 37.5oC), the child has a fever. 1.3 How to measure armpit temperature Check that the thermometer is on. Gently press the tip of the thermometer into the center of the armpit. Hold your arm, or your child's arm, close to your body so that the thermometer stays in place. Wait for the thermometer to read the temperature reading. This will take about a minute or so. Wait until the thermometer beeps. Remove the thermometer from the armpit and read the temperature. When the armpit temperature is > 99oF (equivalent to 37.2oC), the child has a fever. 1.4 How to measure ear temperature To take an ear temperature, you need a special ear thermometer. How to use:
Insert a probe into the thermometer and turn it on according to the manufacturer's instructions. Gently pull out the earlobe to open along the ear canal, gently push the thermometer into the ear canal until the thermometer is completely inserted. Press the read button and wait for the thermometer's message to finish. Remove the thermometer carefully and read the measured temperature When the ear temperature is > 100.4o (equivalent to 38oC), it means the child has a fever. 1.5 Measure at the forehead The forehead measurement method will help the baby feel comfortable, the measuring head does not need to be in direct contact with the forehead but still gives quite accurate results. To measure the temperature of your forehead, you need to have an infrared forehead thermometer.
How to measure: Put the infrared probe in the center of the child's forehead. Place the probe about 1 - 3 cm away from the child's forehead and then press the measurement button, the results will be available after only 1-3 seconds.
When the forehead temperature is 37.5 degrees Celsius or higher, the child has a fever

2. When a child has a fever, what should parents do?

Fever can make a child uncomfortable. When a child has a fever, especially a high fever, parents need to observe more about the child's behavior and appearance, whether it is accompanied by other symptoms, if any, it should be considered by medical staff.
Most cases of fever can be monitored and treated at home. However, it is important for parents and carers to know when to take their child to the doctor and when to give fever-reducing medication.
Fever makes children tired and sore. Therefore, when a child has a fever, parents need to encourage the child to rest as he or she wishes. There is no need to force your child to sleep or rest if he feels better. Children can be sent back to school or participate in other activities when the child's temperature has returned to normal after 24 hours.
When a child has a fever, parents must stay calm and master the knowledge, where and how to measure the body temperature to be able to measure the child's body temperature accurately. It is necessary to monitor the child's temperature continuously to prevent cases of high fever causing convulsions.
Children at any stage are very susceptible to diseases that cause fever. The pediatric department at Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for receiving and examining diseases that infants and young children are susceptible to: viral fever, bacterial fever, otitis media, pneumonia in children. With a system of facilities, modern medical equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread, Vinmec will bring satisfaction to customers. and is highly appreciated by industry experts with:
Gathering a team of leading doctors and nurses in Pediatrics: including leading experts with high professional qualifications (professors, associate professors, doctors, Master's degree), experienced, worked at major hospitals such as Bach Mai, 108.. The doctors are all well-trained, professional, conscientious, knowledgeable about young psychology. In addition to domestic pediatric specialists, the Department of Pediatrics also has the participation of foreign experts (Japan, Singapore, Australia, USA) who are always pioneers in applying the latest and most effective treatment regimens. . Comprehensive services: In the field of Pediatrics, Vinmec provides a series of continuous medical examination and treatment services from Newborn to Pediatric and Vaccine,... according to international standards to help parents take care of their baby's health from birth to childhood. from birth to adulthood Specialized techniques: Vinmec has successfully deployed many specialized techniques to make the treatment of difficult diseases in Pediatrics more effective: neurosurgery - skull surgery, stem cell transplantation. blood in cancer treatment. Professional care: In addition to understanding children's psychology, Vinmec also pays special attention to the children's play space, helping them to have fun and get used to the hospital's environment, cooperate in treatment, improve the efficiency of medical treatment.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.