What is fever?

Fever is the body’s defense mechanism in case of infections. The normal range of the body temperature is between 36.3°C and 37.8°C.

The following factors influence body temperature:

• Advanced in years the body temperature decreases, infants normally have a higher fluctuating body temperature.
• The ambient temperature and the clothing worn are influencing factors as well.
• After physical activity, e.g. sport, the temperature is higher than before. In the morning the temperature is lower and increases slightly during the day.

How to measure correctly:

Different measurement sites are considered: forehead, ear, rectum, axle and mouth. Depending on the measurement site the results vary up to 1°.

The rectal measurement provides the most accurate result, e.g. with a classic digital thermometer. Other measurement sites for the classic digital thermometer: axial (under the arm) and oral (under the tongue), whereas the results obtained are not accurate. It is important to read off the measurement results after the signal.

An ear thermometer can also measure the core temperature namely at the eardrum. Therefore the auditory canal must be straightened by pulling the ear slightly upwards. Otherwise measurement is imprecise.

The most convenient measurement is on the forehead. There the core temperature is measured at an artery, which emerges directly from the temperature center and permanently supplies the forehead with blood. This measurement is especially suitable for children.

Tip: Use the forehead thermometer for an uncomplicated initial indication.

The fever chart pass allows you to enter the results obtained. This gives you an overall impression of your temperature profile.

Download fever chart pass