Sweating and shivering Headache Muscle aches Loss of appetite General weakness Hallucinations, confusion, irritability, convulsions, and dehydration may be present with high fevers.

For kids between three months and four years, you can use either an electronic ear thermometer to take the temperature in the ear canal, or use a rectal thermometer to take the temperature rectally. You can also use any digital thermometer to take an underarm (axillary) temperature, though this is less accurate. For kids older than age 4 who are able to cooperate, you can use a digital thermometer to take the temperature orally. You will need to consider, however, if they must breathe through their mouths due to stuffy noses, because this can cause an inaccurate temperature reading. If this is the case, then you can also use an electronic ear thermometer, temporal artery thermometer, or use the digital thermometer to get an underarm (axillary) temperature. Similarly, for elderly adults, you’ll need to consider any uncooperative behavior or medical conditions that could interfere with obtaining a temperature reading to determine which method you should use. [3] X Research source If getting a rectal or oral temperature reading is impractical, then the tympanic method (using an electronic ear thermometer) or temporal method may be used.

Rectal thermometers have a security bulb specifically designed for safely taking rectal temperatures. Review usage of your specific thermometer. Familiarization of the thermometer will aid in preventing prolonged insertion into rectum. Follow and keep the manufacturer’s instructions for correct use to ensure safety and accuracy.

Turn the thermometer on.

The thermometer should be pointed toward the person’s belly button. Stop if you feel any resistance.

If the patient moves around too much, it may cause an inaccurate reading or injury to the rectum. Never leave a baby or an older patient unattended with a thermometer inside the rectum.

As you remove the thermometer, be sure the disposable sleeve is removed from the patient’s rectum, if you used one on the thermometer.

If the baby has a fever on the weekend or evening after office hours, go to the emergency room.

For a child 6 to 24 months, call a doctor if the baby’s temperature is over 102F (38. 9C) and lasts more than one day with no symptoms. If the child has symptoms such as cough, diarrhea, cold, you may want to consider calling sooner depending on the severity of the symptoms.

For a child over age 2, call a doctor for a fever up to 102F (38. 9C) with vague symptoms (lethargy, restlessness, seems uncomfortable. Also, call a doctor for a temperature over 102F that lasts longer than 3 days and is not responding to medication. [14] X Research source For adults, contact a doctor for a fever that is not responding to medication, is 103F (39. 4C) or over, or that lasts over 3 days. [15] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source

a sore throat for more than 24 hours shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, less than one wet diaper in 8 hours or urinating less frequently) pain when urinating refuses to eat, has a rash, or has difficulty breathing, or has recently returned from a trip in another country.

A fever and is not sweating. A severe headache Confusion Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea Seizures A stiff neck Irritability or noticeable discomfort Any other unusual symptoms.

They are complaining about a severe headache. They have severe throat swelling. An unusual skin rash, especially one that becomes worse quickly. They complain about a stiff neck and have pain when they bend their head forward. They are unusually sensitive to bright lights. They seem confused. They are coughing persistently. They are complaining about muscle weakness or sensory changes. They have a seizure. They seem to be having trouble breathing or complain of chest pain. They seem extremely irritable or listless. They have abdominal pain when they urinate. You notice any other unexplained symptoms.