Body Temperature

Temperature Measurement

What To Think About

• Thermometers with a digital display usually need a battery. If your thermometer uses a battery, make sure it is working before taking a temperature.
• Body temperature is only one way of monitoring your health. Besides temperature, other basic measurements to monitor your health include your pulse, breathing rate (respiration), and blood pressure. These basic measurements are called your vital signs.
• A fever can make you feel uncomfortable. To treat the discomfort of a fever, wear light clothing and use light blankets or other bedding. Drink cool liquids. A bath or shower with lukewarm (not cool) water can lower body temperature. Cool or cold water can cause shivering and can cause the blood vessels near the skin to contract, which will raise the body temperature further.
• Fever-reducing medicines can lower body temperature. Unless a fever is high enough to call a health professional, fever-reducing medicine is not necessary but may help you feel more comfortable. When a fever causes discomfort, use acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen (such as Advil or Motrin). Aspirin also reduces fever but should not be given to anyone younger than age 20 because of the risk of Reye syndrome.
• When reading medical information that mentions body temperatures, note whether the temperature is listed as an oral or rectal temperature. Many books and other information about children's health list all body temperatures as rectal temperatures, because this method is preferred for measuring body temperature in a young child. If a body temperature is listed but neither oral nor rectal is specified, you may assume it is an oral temperature.
• Glass thermometers containing mercury are no longer recommended. If you have a glass thermometer, contact your local health department for instructions on how to dispose of it safely. If you break a glass thermometer, call your local poison control center immediately.

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Author:	Bets Davis, MFA	Last Updated: February 20, 2009
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
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