How to measure body temperature with thermometer
Recently, global health topics have continued to heat up, especially with the spread of seasonal influenza and respiratory diseases, correctly measuring body temperature has become the focus of public attention. This article will introduce in detail how to use a thermometer to measure body temperature, and combine the hot topics and hot content in the past 10 days to provide you with a practical health guide.
1. Recent hot health topics

The following are health-related topics that have been hotly discussed on the Internet in the past 10 days:
| hot topics | Discussion popularity | main focus |
|---|---|---|
| seasonal flu prevention | high | Vaccination, symptom recognition |
| Respiratory disease prevention and control | high | Mask use and hygiene habits |
| Body temperature measurement accuracy | Middle to high | Thermometer selection and measurement methods |
| Home health monitoring | in | Home medical equipment, data recording |
2. Types and characteristics of thermometers
The common thermometers currently on the market mainly include the following types:
| Thermometer type | Measurement part | Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| mercury thermometer | Armpit, mouth, rectum | Accurate measurement and low price | Fragile, contains toxic mercury |
| electronic thermometer | Armpit, mouth, rectum | Fast measurement, digital display | Requires regular calibration |
| Infrared forehead thermometer | forehead | Contactless and fast | Greatly affected by the environment |
| Ear thermometer | ear canal | Measure quickly and accurately | Correct eardrum alignment required |
3. How to correctly use a thermometer to measure body temperature
1. Preparation
Before taking your temperature, please make sure:
- Thermometer is clean
- The temperature of the measuring environment is appropriate (avoid measuring just after eating or exercising)
- Read and understand the thermometer instructions
2. How to use different thermometers
| Thermometer type | Correct usage | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| mercury thermometer | 1. Throw it below 35℃ 2. Leave the measurement site on for 5 minutes 3. Read the scale horizontally | - Avoid breaking - Disinfect after use |
| electronic thermometer | 1. Turn on the power 2. Place the measurement site 3. Wait for the beep and take the reading. | -Replace batteries regularly - Calibration accuracy |
| Infrared forehead thermometer | 1. Aim at the center of the forehead 2. Keep a distance of 3-5cm 3. Press the measurement key | - Avoid sweat interference - Sit quietly for 5 minutes before measuring |
| Ear thermometer | 1. Install the disposable probe cover 2. Gently straighten the ear canal 3. Measure against the eardrum | - The temperature difference between the left and right ears may be different - Avoid the effects of earwax |
3. Normal reference value of body temperature
| Measurement part | Normal range(℃) | Fever standard (℃) |
|---|---|---|
| armpit | 36.0-37.0 | ≥37.3 |
| oral cavity | 36.3-37.2 | ≥37.5 |
| rectum | 36.6-37.8 | ≥38.0 |
| ear temperature | 35.8-37.5 | ≥38.0 |
4. Common misunderstandings in measuring body temperature
1.Not enough measurement time: Especially mercury thermometers require sufficient time to measure accurately.
2.Improper selection of measurement site: The normal value ranges for different parts are different, and standards cannot be mixed.
3.ignore environmental factors: Measurement immediately after strenuous exercise or hot water bath will affect the results.
4.Not calibrating electronic equipment: Electronic thermometers and infrared devices require regular calibration.
5.Wrong measurement method: For example, the ear thermometer is not aimed at the eardrum, the forehead thermometer is at an inappropriate distance, etc.
5. Health Tips
1. It is recommended to measure body temperature at a fixed time every day to establish a personal basal body temperature reference.
2. When the body temperature is abnormal, retest should be performed every 30 minutes for confirmation.
3. Special groups such as children and the elderly are recommended to use safer electronic thermometers.
4. Body temperature is only one of the health indicators and needs to be comprehensively judged in conjunction with other symptoms.
5. If fever persists, seek medical attention promptly and do not rely solely on self-measurement.
Correctly measuring body temperature is an important part of health monitoring. I hope this article can help you master scientific temperature measurement methods. In the current high-incidence season for respiratory diseases, regular monitoring of body temperature can detect health abnormalities early and provide a reference for timely medical treatment.
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