Hi, iv been trying to take my LOs temp as he felt hot earlier. Iv got a digital thermometer, relativly new, so batteries should be good. Anyway the first reading came up as 36.1, but he felt pretty hot, so i tried it again, it went up to 36.5, so i tried again, and so on and so on untill it finally stopped going up at 37.7, does that mean thats what his temp is?? Also, should I add .5 degrees on as im taking it under the arm. And lastly, if his temp is normally 36, when it goes up to 37, does this mean he does have a temp??
So it doesnt matter that the thermometer gets there slowely.. its the first reading that counts, its just sometimes iv tried to take his temp when he doesnt have one (fust feels a bit warm) and it reads 35 something.. which is too low. Just made me think the therm took its time!! (I have to admit though, if he is burning up, it races up straight away, but then would it go up higher if I carried on trying..)
I find those stick on your forehead thermometers really accurate.
When my son was little - he suffered badly with high temps - its strange but he never had an ounce of sweat on his face or body and his breath smelt funny - I always applied cold flannels to his face and body and a dose of capol or similar child medicine.
The temeperature can vary with all readings, the most accurate and convenient method is the ear reading, this is quick and doesn't disturb the child. only prob i feel they deteriorate with use and need re calibration or re-newing quite often. With the axillary method you only have to be a slight distance away from the area of the previous reading for it to vary. as I rough guide to check whether they have a high temperature is place you hand under your armpit for about 30 secs , then feel them and you can judge whether they are a lot hotter than you are. you will tell if they are burning up and act accordingly. The only prob is if you have a high temperature too!! hope yr lo is better.