How do I take a temperature? (2024)

FAQs

How do I take a temperature? ›

Rectal temps are the most accurate. Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly. Temps done in the armpit are the least accurate.

Rectal temps are the most accurate. Forehead temps are the next most accurate. Oral and ear temps are also accurate if done properly. Temps done in the armpit are the least accurate.

1) Sensor limitations: measuring body temperature accurately requires a specialized infrared thermometer with a specific focus on human body measurements. So, while body temperature can, theoretically, be measured by a phone temp sensor – the collected data would be inaccurate and misleading.

If you do not have a thermometer

Touch your chest and back. If they feel hotter than usual, you may have a high temperature. Touch is the least accurate way of checking a temperature. You may also have other symptoms such as feeling shivery (chills).

The following thermometer readings generally indicate a fever: Rectal, ear or temporal artery temperature of 100.4 (38 C) or higher. Oral temperature of 100 F (37.8 C) or higher. Armpit temperature of 99 F (37.2 C) or higher.

A Quick Review. A fever is typically a sign of an illness or infection, such as COVID-19. Healthcare providers generally consider a body temperature of 100–100.4 degrees a fever in adults. Infants and children have a fever if they have an oral temperature of 99.5 degrees or a rectal temperature of 100.4 degrees.

Normal body temperature ranges from 97.5°F to 99.5°F (36.4°C to 37.4°C). It tends to be lower in the morning and higher in the evening. Most healthcare providers consider a fever to be 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. A person with a temperature of 99.6°F to 100.3°F has a low-grade fever.

How to take your temperature on your iPhone by using a Kinsa smart thermometer. You can take your temperature using your iPhone by linking the Apple Health app to a smart thermometer. Smart thermometers, like Kinsa's QuickCare and Smart Ear products, let you upload your health readings to a phone.

The iPhone itself does not have a built-in thermometer that could be used, for instance, to measure fever. Fortunately, there are intermediary solutions. In June 2023, we received electrifying news from the University of Washington.

Why do I feel hot but no fever? ›

Fever typically makes a person feel hot. However, environmental and lifestyle factors, medications, age, hormones, and certain emotional states can all raise body temperature without having a fever. Depending on the cause, a person who feels hot may sweat excessively or not sweat at all.

Lukewarm Bath or Shower: Other remedies to help you feel better include taking a lukewarm bath or shower. The key is to keep it lukewarm. Don't make it cold, never use ice, and if you start to shiver, warm the water up and then get out and rest. Stay hydrated: It is also important to drink plenty of water.

What's the reason for being hot but not having a fever? No fever but hot body is said to have many causes, the most common of which is related to hormones in menopause. Another cause of this abnormality is: Abnormal changes in the hypothalamus of the brain (the main thermoregulatory center of the human body).

“If you have a fever over 100 degrees, you are highly infectious, so do not go to work,” Sodaro says. “A fever that won't break for three days — or a fever combined with a rash — both signal that it's time to stay home and maybe even see a doctor.”

Some experts define a low-grade fever as a temperature that falls between 99.5°F (37.5°C) and 100.3°F (38.3°C). ^6,7. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person with temperature at or above 100.4°F (38°C) is considered to have a fever.

Numbers that are cause for concern: 105°F – Go to the emergency room. 103°F or higher – Contact your health care provider. 101°F or higher – If you're immunocompromised or over 65 years of age, and are concerned that you've been exposed to COVID-19, contact your health care provider.

Turn on the digital thermometer. Place the thermometer tip under your tongue. Close your mouth around the thermometer for the recommended amount of time or until the thermometer beep indicates it's done.

1. Digital thermometers. Digital thermometers are more advanced types of thermometers, and when used correctly, provide the most accurate results. They are also easy to use, cost-friendly, and are widely available.

It should be placed towards the back of the palate. Keep in place for one minute or until the thermometer makes a beep sound indicating the reading is complete. The thermometer reading is accurate, and you do not need to add a degree to the result as you would if measuring temperature under the arm.

Temperatures taken from the armpit are usually the least accurate. For older children and adults, oral readings are usually accurate — as long as the mouth is closed while the thermometer is in place.