First aid - Fever

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Fever is one of your body's reactions to infection. What's normal for you may

be a little higher or lower than the average temperature of 98.6 F (37

C). But a rectal temperature higher than 100.4 F (38.0 C)is always

considered a fever. A rectal temperature reading is generally 1 degree

Fahrenheit 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.



Don't treat fevers below 102 F (38.9 C) with any medications unless

advised to do so by your doctor. If you have a fever of 102 F (38.9 C)

or higher, your doctor may suggest taking over-the-counter medications

such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin,

others). Adults may also use aspirin. But don't give aspirin to

children. It may trigger a rare, but potentially fatal, disorder known

as Reye's syndrome. Also, don't give ibuprofen to infants younger than

6 months of age.How to take a temperature



You can choose from several types of thermometers. Today most have

digital readouts. Some take the temperature quickly from the ear canal

and can be especially useful for young children and older adults. Other

thermometers can be used rectally, orally or under the arm. If you use

a digital thermometer, be sure to read the instructions, so you know

what the beeps mean and when to read the thermometer. Under normal

circumstances, temperatures tend to be highest around 4 p.m. and lowest

around 4 a.m.



Because of the potential for mercury exposure or ingestion, glass

mercury thermometers have been phased out and are no longer recommended.



Rectally (for infants)



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 higher than an oral reading.



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



Orally



To take your temperature orally:



Place the bulb under your tongue.Close your mouth for the recommended amount of time, usually three minutes.If you're using a nondigital thermometer,

remove it from your mouth and rotate it slowly until you can read the

temperature accurately.



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.An axillary reading is generally 1 degree F less than an oral reading



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 (38.0 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 (38.1 C) rectally.If a child younger than age 2 has a fever for

longer than one day, or a child age 2 or older has a fever for longer

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.



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



A severe headacheSevere swelling of the throatUnusual skin rashUnusual eye sensitivity to bright lightA stiff neck and pain when the head is bent forwardMental confusionPersistent vomitingDifficulty breathing or chest painExtreme listlessness or irritabilityAbdominal pain or pain when urinatingAny other unexplained symptoms



When reporting a fever to your doctor, don't attempt to convert from

a rectal reading to an oral reading. It's simpler to just report what

the reading was and how you took it.