For over a century, normal human body temperature has been considered 98.6°F (37°C) and the normal body temperature range is 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C). However, the fact is that there is no exact “normal” body temperature. It depending on your age, time of day and how active you are, it is more accurate to describe normal body temperature as a range.
What temperature means you are having a fever?
A higher body temperature is one of the first symptoms of the disease, and a fever indicates that your body is fighting infections such as flu viruses. If you are having temperatures above 100.4°F, it considered a fever in adults. While for children, the signs of fever may vary depending on how you read such as
- Oral temperature is 99.5°F or higher
- Rectal temperature is 100.4°F or higher
- Armpit temperature is 99°F or higher
If you have a fever, measure the temperature and record several times a day because the thermometer is not always accurate, and your temperature may rise and fall throughout the day. Besides that, fever is also a common symptom of coronavirus.
As the cases for Coronavirus continues to grow, mostly all countries started to implement MCO for preventing the spread of Coronavirus. But there are some companies or businesses which allowed to continue operate during this MCO. There are some preventive measure that can be done to lower the risk for spreading and one of the measure is to check the body temperature of employees.
Some of the companies will check the body temperature when those employees who report to work. If there is someone who is detected to have a high fever, they will be told to the particular to have a check. The temperature check is a simple test tool, but the doctor warns that it is not dependable. A temperature check could not detect an infected but asymptomatic person or someone who are taking medicine.
Furthermore, companies can also measure employees’ body temperature and asking if they have COVID-19 symptoms, such as coughing or shortness of breath.
How to use thermometer for checking body temperature?
For the cheapest and easiest way to obtain temperature readings, digital thermometers can take temperature measurements in several ways.
- Oral: Place the thermometer under your tongue is the best method for adults and young children.
- Rectum: For infants or adults who cannot hold the thermometer under the tongue, this method involves gently inserting the thermometer into the rectum.
- Armpit: For people who cannot tolerate oral temperature, the armpit method is another option. The thermometer is placed under the armpit.
Although checking for body temperature will not necessarily detect that someone are infected by Coronavirus, but better than nothing right?
