BRAUN – Media Backgrounder EN - KAZ Europe

KAZ S.A.’S GUIDE TO FEVER AND THERMOMETERS
1. What is Fever?
If body temperature is consistently above normal temperature range, the patient is said to have
a fever. Fevers are a defence mechanism the body uses to fight infections and are therefore
frequently associated with illnesses. Yet fevers alone are not an illness, only a symptom.
Babies and young children commonly have up to 12 infections per year, and on average seven
of these cause a fever. Many of them are harmless, such as a sore throat or a cold. But they
can be more dangerous, including acute ear infections, or even life-threatening, like meningitis.
On average, school-age children have around three febrile infections per year and adults two.
2. Temperature measurement
Temperatures are taken most commonly in the ear (tympanic measurement), in the mouth
(orally measurement), under the arm (auxiliary measurement) or in the bottom (rectally
measurement). Each method is considered accurate when done correctly. Except for ear
thermometers, most digital thermometers are universal, meaning temperature can be taken
orally, rectally or under the arm. Temperature readings can differ slightly depending on the
method, so be sure to use the same method for the sake of consistency.
• Ear
Ear measurements are gentle, easy and fast, and thus preferred by many parents. However, the
temperature often varies between readings, leading to the misconception that ear thermometers
are inaccurate. To minimise this effect, it’s very important to use the correct ear thermometer. A
reading of 38°C or higher is generally considered as fever.
• Oral
Oral temperature taking is generally recommended for children who are at least four years of
age and can easily hold the thermometer in their mouth. A reading of 37.5°C or higher is
generally considered a fever.
• Underarm
This is a safe and straightforward method for children of all ages. A reading of 37°C or higher is
generally considered as fever.
• Rectal
Taking a baby’s rectal temperature is not difficult and does not have to be uncomfortable for
either the baby or the parent. There are some thermometers designed especially for rectal
measurements that make it fast and easy. A reading of 38°C or higher is generally considered a
fever.
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