Children under 7: The best way to take a temperature in babies and young children is with a digital thermometer placed under the armpit. Heat-sensitive strips are not considered accurate. Using a clean thermometer, place the end of it in the child’s armpit and position the tip in the arm so that it holds the instrument in place. Leave for a couple of minutes.

Because armpit temperature is lower than that inside the body you will need to add 0.6 C to the reading for accuracy.

Children over 7: An easy way to take the temperature is using an aural thermometer that is placed in the ear. Replace the disposable tip with each application.

Follow the instructions that come with the thermometer.

Adults: They can also use the above methods, but may prefer to use a standard digital thermometer placed under the tongue.

Bringing down a fever

1. Remove clothes and lay the patient in a cool room.
2. Use a fan to cool the room.
3. Provide plenty of cool fluids.
4. With children, supply liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen at the appropriate dose. Adults can take the above in tablet form, and aspirin.

Explore Health

• Expert Advice

• Health Features

• Mental Health

• Alternative Medicine

• Child Health

• Health Club