Is Your Body Temperature Rising?
Ask Your Pharmacist

The normal body temperature is considered to be 37ºC. When the body temperature rises above 37ºC, the person is said to be suffering from a fever. The most common occurrence of a fever is a bodily response to a microbial infection. Fever due to an infection may often be accompanied by symptoms such as

How is body temperature measured?
The body temperature is measured by using a thermometer. The thermometer is a calibrated device that is able to record the body temperature when it is placed in direct contact with a certain part of the body for a period of time.

There are many types of thermometers available. The most common ones are the glass mercury thermometer, the digital thermometer, the infrared electronic thermometer and the fever strip.

The glass mercury thermometer
• Easy to use. It is commonly placed under the tongue and is held in place by sealing the mouth for a few minutes. It can also be used by inserting it gently into the rectum and hold it for 2-5 minutes or placing it under the armpit for a few minutes.

• Accurate when technique is mastered. Rectal measurement is the gold standard for measuring core body temperature.

• Easy maintenance. Wash with cold water and soap after use. Wipe dry and store. Rinse with cold water and flick the thermometer in air to set the mercury level to below 37C before use.

• Relatively cheap, cost about $3 to $4 each.

The digital thermometer
• It is battery operated and has a digital display for recording of body temperature.

• Can be used like the glass mercury thermometer.

• Accurate when technique is mastered.

• Disposable probe cover may be used for hygienic purpose. Without using a probe cover, it can be cleaned with an alcohol swab after each recording.

• Cost about $10 each and battery needs to be replaced periodically.

The infrared electronic thermometer
• It is easy to use. The probe is inserted firmly into the ear and with a press of a button; and the core body temperature is recorded in a few seconds on a digital display.

• Accurate when used appropriately.

• Disposable probe cover may be required.

• Cost about $39 to $109 and consumables like probe covers and batteries will add to the cost.

The fever strip
• Easy and quick to use. Place the calibrated strip on the forehead for a few minutes and read off the calibration scale for body temperature.

• Result can be variable; therefore it is the least accurate among the thermometers.

• Normally disposable.

• Each strip cost about $3 to $4.

Fever Temperature
Do note that the temperature recorded from various sites of the body can differ considerably.

Site of Temperature Measurement Normal Body Temperature Range Fever Temperature
Mouth 35.5ºC-37.5ºC: >37.5ºC
Rectum 36.6ºC-38ºC >38.0ºC
Armpit 34.7ºC-37.2ºC >37.2ºC
Ear 35.8ºC-38ºC >38ºC
Forehead Variable >38ºC

How can the pharmacist help you?
The pharmacist can
• Help to choose a suitable thermometer that is effective and is within your budget.

• Teach you how to use the thermometer appropriately to obtain an accurate measurement each time.

• Advise you on what to do when you have a fever.

• Advise you on the appropriate and safe use of medication to manage your fever.