Thermometers
A reliable accurate thermometer is important to determine if you or a family member has a fever.
What is a fever?
Fever is the body’s natural defence mechanism to help fight invasion from bacteria and viruses. The body turns up its natural heating system which in turn assists the immune system to fight infection.
“Normal” body temperature is around 37°C (give or take a degree or so as everyone’s personal set temperature is slightly different). A “fever” indicates the body’s temperature has risen, typically by a few degrees (under 39°C is considered ‘mild’ and over 39°C in the higher range).
Children tend to develop fevers quite frequently – their immune systems are still developing and can ‘over-react’ to invaders, plus they’re exposed to lots of bugs at school and day care.
Fevers are usually harmless and can actually help fight the illness; however, they do need to be monitored carefully using a reliable digital thermometer – in some cases, a doctor’s visit may be necessary.
For children, visit your doctor right away if your child has a fever and:
- Looks very sick
- Is drowsy or very fussy
- Has a weakened immune system or other medical problems
- Has a seizure (febrile seizures are actually quite common with high temps, so don’t be alarmed, just keep the child safe during and take them to your GP afterwards)
- Has a temperature over 40 degrees C.
- Has other symptoms such as rash, sore throat, headache, stiff neck, or earache
- If the fever lasts more than 1 day in a child less than 2 years old or lasts more than 3 days in a child age 2 or older.
For adults, see a doctor if your fever is higher than 39.5 degrees C for three days or doesn’t respond to medication such as paracetamol.
Thermometers can be purchased at your local pharmacy or supermarket.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use.