Question 1

how old is too old to take a child's temperature in the rectum?

Accepted Answer

None: Although uncomfortable and there are other accurate ways to measure body temperature as one gets older, it can always be done.

Question 2

when you take a child's temperature under the arm, do you just add a degree?

Accepted Answer

Kids temperature: Under arm temp is never reliable. Only strictly use rectal temp for kids (they are too young to protest!). Older kids can use buccal thermometer. When you take the temp, please always take many times daily as the temp is always higher at night when anybody has a high temperature. And please write down all the temps taken to bring to your doctor. Never tell the doc : i did not take my temp".

Question 3

where is the best place to take a child's temperature?

Accepted Answer

For accuracy...: ...It's where the sun don't shine (rectal); for comfort, any of the others. Knowing the exact temperature is really not that important beyond 2 months of age.

Question 4

when should i take my child to the dr if she is running 100.6 temperature?

Accepted Answer

If under 8 weeks: Fever of 100.8 in the first 8 weeks should be evaluated immediately by a physician.After that point the need for evaluation is less and more dependent on other symptoms.Failure to wet diapers at least every 6 hours, lethergy, or an unwillingness to feed or play some would warrent a regular office visit.

Question 5

should i take my 5 year old child to the emergency room if her temperature is 101.5 degrees?

Accepted Answer

Other symptoms are ?: The average 5 yo will go thru 5-7 viral respiratory & GI illnesses per year, many of which will generate fever upwards of 102-103.It is a normal response to illness & doesn't signal severity of a problem.If the kid is playful, taking fluids well & has no scary complaints, the best person to evaluate the child is your regular dr. If quiet, refusing fluids, in obvious pain or showing scary sx  go.

Question 6

we are staying in kuils river, cape town. my wife is running a nursery and one child who had high temperature and loss of appetite tested positive for covid19 together with his mother. what steps can we take regarding nursery and our family?

Accepted Answer

Nursery: I strongly recommend that you notify your local public health department for instructions and advice regarding this serious issue.

Question 7

do you think i should take my child who has a 104.3 temperature, i gave him tylenol (acetaminophen) and benadryl to the er which is closer or pediatrician?

Accepted Answer

ER: Better than Pediatrician's office in such case with high fever, later you can follow up with his Pediatrician,

Question 8

hi dr, my child is having flu symptoms. shes got blocked nose ( congestion) and also coughing a lot . she not having a temperature though and shes eating as normal. should i take her to see a doctor?

Accepted Answer

: Keep the child isolated.  See a doctor via telemedicine. This can be COVID 19.

Question 9

at which degree should i be worried about my childs temperature?

Accepted Answer

Fever is Our Friend: The degree of fever at which you should worry is dependent of your child's age.  A temperature of 100.4 or greater is considered a fever.   A worrisome fever is 103-105 degrees especially if the child is irritable and/or not feeding or sleeping well.  If a fever is prolonged, you should seek medical advice.

Question 10

my child has a temperature of 101.3.what do i do?

Accepted Answer

Don't panic: While that temperature is considered a fever, it is not by any means a dangerous temperature.  Your body makes a temperature to fight off germs, both bacteria and virus, that cause infections.  The fever actually helps your immune system work better.  Keep your child well hydrated, as a temperature causes you to need more fluids. See doc in next few days if fever doesn't go away or other symptoms.

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Doctor answers about:

Take child temperature

A member asked:

How old is too old to take a child's temperature in the rectum?

A member asked:

When you take a child's temperature under the arm, do you just add a degree?

A member asked:

Where is the best place to take a child's temperature?

A member asked:

When should i take my child to the dr if she is running 100.6 temperature?

A member asked:

Should i take my 5 year old child to the emergency room if her temperature is 101.5 degrees?

A member asked:

We are staying in kuils river, cape town. my wife is running a nursery and one child who had high temperature and loss of appetite tested positive for covid19 together with his mother. what steps can we take regarding nursery and our family?

A member asked:

Do you think i should take my child who has a 104.3 temperature, i gave him tylenol (acetaminophen) and benadryl to the er which is closer or pediatrician?

A member asked:

Hi dr, my child is having flu symptoms. shes got blocked nose ( congestion) and also coughing a lot . she not having a temperature though and shes eating as normal. should i take her to see a doctor?

A member asked:

At which degree should i be worried about my childs temperature?

A member asked:

My child has a temperature of 101.3.what do i do?

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