Health Tip: Taking Your Temperature

(HealthDay News) -- If you''re taking your temperature, you should take steps to ensure that you''re getting an accurate reading.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these guidelines:

• If using a thermometer by mouth, put it directly under the tongue and keep your mouth closed, holding the thermometer in place with your lips. Keep it in about three minutes if it''s a glass thermometer, or until a digital thermometer beeps.
• If measuring temperature underneath the arm, place the thermometer under the armpit, and hold your arm against your body for five minutes. This is not the best method for a glass thermometer.
• If measuring a baby''s temperature by rectum, place the baby on the stomach, and insert the thermometer with a small amount of petroleum jelly. Keep the child still, and remove the thermometer after about 3 minutes (or until it beeps).
• Don''t take your temperature within an hour of taking a bath or shower, or exercising strenuously.
• If you''ve just had something to eat or drink, wait at least 20 minutes before taking your temperature.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Feb. 03, 2009

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