Fever Thermometer F.A.Q.

Fever Thermometer F.A.Q Page

What is a Fever?

A fever is a temporary increase in the body’s temperature in response to a disease or virus.

It is an important part of the body’s natural defense against infections. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive at normal body temperature: 37.0°C (98.6°F).

Infants and children develop high fevers with mild viral illnesses and although a fever signals that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for, not against that person.

Readings from different measuring sites should not be compared, as the normal body temperature varies by measuring site and time of day. Body temperature will be higher in the evening and lower about one hour before waking up.

What are the normal body temperature ranges?

Below is a list of the different body locations that a temperature can be taken and their normal temperature range.

Location	Temperature Range
Oral	35.5°C – 37.5°C / 95.9°F – 99.5°F
Ear	35.4°C – 37.4°C / 95.7°F – 99.3°F
Underarm (Axillary)	34.7°C – 37.3°C / 94.5°F – 99.1°F
Rectal	36.6°C – 38.0°C / 97.9°F – 100.4°F

 

What type of thermometer should be used by age group?

Age	Recommended Site	Product
< 2 Years	1. Rectum 2. Underarm* (Axillary)	1. Digital “Pen” Thermometer
2 - 5 Years	1. Rectum 2. Ear 3. Forehead 4. Underarm* (Axillary)	1. Digital “Pen” Thermometer 2. Ear Thermometer 3. Forehead Thermometer
5 Years & Older	1. Oral 2. Ear 3. Forehead 4. Underarm* (Axillary)	1. Digital “Pen” Thermometer 2. Ear Thermometer 3. Forehead Thermometer

*Underarm (Axillary) measurements are ideal for general screening, but not accurate enough for tracking a fever in young children.