How to take a temperature

Always use a digital thermometer to check someone's temperature. Types you can get include:

• Rectal thermometers for use in the rectum.
• Oral thermometers for use in the mouth.
• Temporal artery thermometers. These use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead.
• Armpit, called axillary, and ear, called tympanic membrane thermometers. These are less accurate.

Because of the dangers of being exposed to mercury, don't use a glass mercury thermometer.

No matter which type of thermometer you use, do the following when using it:

• Read the instructions that came with the thermometer.
• Clean the thermometer before and after each use with rubbing alcohol or soap and lukewarm water.
• Don't use the same thermometer for both oral and rectal temperatures. Get two and label which is used where.
• Never leave children alone while taking their temperature.