Main Menu
Understanding Healthcare
How to Take Your Temperature
How to Take Your TemperatureTaking your temperature with a thermometer is the best way to find out if you have a fever or if you are fightingan infection. A digital thermometer is the most accurate way to take your temperature. The three most commondigital thermometers are oral, forehead, and ear and each works a little differently to get your temperature.No matter which kind of thermometer you use, when taking a temperature, first wash your hands with warmwater and soap. And clean your thermometer before and after each use with soap and water. To use an oraldigital thermometer: do not eat or drink 30 minutes before you take your temperature.Turn the thermometer on and place it under your tongue. Hold the thermometer in place with your mouthclosed until the reading is complete. Most digital thermometers beep to let you know it is finished. The readingshould take between 30-40 seconds. After you finish, store it in a cool, dry place.If you are doing a forehead temperature check, turn on the thermometer, place the sensor in the middle of theforehead and slowly swipe it across the forehead and down toward the top of one ear. Keep the sensor incontact with the skin. The thermometer will display your reading. Once you are done, remember to clean yourthermometer with soap and water, and store in a cool, dry place.For an ear temperature check, turn the thermometer on, pull the ear back and up and place the thermometer inthe ear canal aiming the tip of the probe between the opposite eye and ear. Keep the thermometer in your earuntil the reading is done. Most thermometers will beep to let you know when it is finished. After you taken yourtemperature, remember to clean the thermometer with soap and water, and store in a cool, dry place.A normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. If your temperature rises to 100.4 degrees or higheryou have a fever. If you do have a fever, call your healthcare provider, and ask about the best way to treat it.Talk about whether you need to get any further testing. Get plenty of rest and feel better soon.This program is for informational purposes only. Publisher disclaims all guarantees regarding the accuracy, completeness,or suitability of this video for medical decision making. For all health related issues please contact your healthcare provider.VER59711A EN HowToTakeYourTemperature.pdf© The Wellness NetworkPage 1 of 1
Watch this to learn about physician orders for life-sustaining treatment.
Watch this video to learn the risks of postpartum high blood pressure after giving birth.
Watch this clip to help understand why communicating with your healthcare team in the hospital, and having an advocate for your behalf, is important.
Learn how Oxycontin helps manage your pain, how to take and store it safely, and what to do if you experience side effects.
