Fever is one of our body's reactions to infection.Normal body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). But a rectal temperature higher than 100.4 F (38 C) is always considered a fever. A rectal temperature reading is generally 1 degree F (about 0.5 degree C) higher than an oral reading. For very young children and infants, even slightly elevated temperatures may indicate a serious infection. In newborns, a subnormal temperature rather than a fever also may be a sign of serious illness.

 

Fever is one of our body's reactions to infection.

Normal body temperature is 98.6 F (37 C). But a rectal temperature higher than 100.4 F (38 C) is always considered a fever. A rectal temperature reading is generally 1 degree F (about 0.5 degree C) higher than an oral reading. For very young children and infants, even slightly elevated temperatures may indicate a serious infection. In newborns, a subnormal temperature rather than a fever also may be a sign of serious illness.

How to measure the temperature

There are various types of thermometers. Most commonly used are digital thermometers. Under normal circumstances, temperatures tend to be highest around 4 p.m. and lowest around 4 a.m. The temperature can be checked orally, rectally and under the arms.

Measurement of temperature in infants (rectally)

To take your child's temperature rectally:

• Place a dab of petroleum jelly or other lubricant on the bulb.
• Lay your child on his or her stomach.
• Carefully insert the bulb one-half inch to one inch into the rectum.
• Hold the bulb and child still for three minutes. To avoid injury, don't let go of the thermometer while it's inside your child.
• Remove and read the temperature as recommended by the manufacturer.
• A rectal temperature reading is generally 1 degree F (about 0.5 degree C) higher than a simultaneously taken oral reading.

Taking a rectal temperature is also an option for older adults when taking an oral temperature is not possible.

To take your temperature orally

• Place the bulb under your tongue.
• Close your mouth for the recommended amount of time, usually three minutes.

To take the temperature under the arm (axillary)

Although it's not the most accurate way to take a temperature, you can also use an oral thermometer for an armpit reading:

• Place the thermometer under your arm with your arm down.
• Hold your arms across your chest.
• Wait five minutes or as recommended by your thermometer's manufacturer. Then remove the thermometer and read the temperature.

To take your child's axillary temperature, sit your child in your lap with your child facing to the side. Place the thermometer under your child's near arm, which should be against your chest.

Get medical help for a fever in these cases

• If a baby is younger than 3 months of age and has a rectal temperature of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher. Even if your baby doesn't have other signs or symptoms, call your doctor just to be safe.
• If a baby is older than 3 months of age and has a temperature of 102 F (38.9 C) or higher.
• If a newborn has a lower than normal temperature — less than 97 F (36.1 C) rectally.
• If a child younger than age 2 has a fever for more than one day, or a child age 2 or older has a fever for more than three days. If your child has a fever after being left in a very hot car, seek medical care immediately.
• If an adult has a temperature of more than 103 F (39.4 C) or has had a fever for more than three days.
• An axillary reading is generally 1 degree F (about 0.5 degree C) less than an oral reading.

Call your doctor immediately if any of these signs or symptoms accompanies a fever

• A severe headache.
• Severe swelling of the throat.
• Unusual skin rash.
• Unusual eye sensitivity to bright light.
• A stiff neck and pain when the head is bent forward.
• Mental confusion.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain.
• Extreme listlessness or irritability.
• Abdominal pain or pain when urinating.
• Any other unexplained symptoms.

Treatment of fever

• Have a bottle of syrup of crocin all the time at home. Give 5ml to 10ml of the syrup depending on the age of the child.
• Paracetamol suppositories can be used rectally.

• Tepid sponging. Wet a cloth and sponge the whole body of the child.