Choosing the right thermometer

With the recent H1N1 flu pandemic, many children have been developing high fevers. One of the more common topics that we are asked about in the office is taking a child's temperature.

What kind of thermometer should I use?

There are many types of thermometers available these days, including rectal, axillary (under the arm), oral, tympanic (ear), and temporal (forehead). These methods all vary somewhat in their ability to truly measure core body temperature. Rectal thermometers are the most accurate and should be used as a first choice in children under 2 years. For older children, it seems as though the research supports the accuracy of oral or temporal thermometers over axillary or tympanic. With that being said, any of these methods may in fact underestimate the true body temperature by up to 2 degrees Fahrenheit. If you've spent some time at TLC, you know that for older children we tend to use the temporal artery thermometer, and for younger children (generally under 1 or 2 years), we prefer rectal measurements. There are many reasonably priced digital thermometers on the market today, many of which can give a reading in 10 seconds or less (fewer tears!). Mercury thermometers should never be used.

When is it considered a fever?

A temperature is considered a fever if it is greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.

When should I treat the fever?

A difficult question to answer as it varies depending on the age. If your child is under 6 months and develops a fever, you should let your child's physician know immediately, as it could be a sign of a more serious illness . Generally speaking, however, fever is a defense mechanism for the body. So, in fact, if the temperature is less than 101 degrees Fahrenheit, it may be okay to just observe. Once the temperature goes higher, it is prudent to treat with fever reducers as the child will likely start feeling the ill effects of the fever at that point. And remember, if your child's fever is extremely high (104 degrees Fahrenheit or higher), lasts more than 3 days, or your child is acting more sick than you would expect, call their physician right away.

For tips on using a thermometer, check out this link: http://aapnews.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/30/11/29-d