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Expert Q&A
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| By David L. Fay, M.D. Family Physician Associate Director, Waukesha Family Practice Residency Program | ||
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My 4-year-old has a hard time keeping a thermometer under his tongue. Can I take an accurate reading under the arm?
When we check a child's temperature what we are trying to do is to approximate the core temperature – the temperature at the heart, if you will. The most accurate temperature is taken rectally, followed by oral, tympanic (ear), axillary (under the arm) and skin. Axillary temperature has a variable reliability and is generally not accurate. Oral temperatures can be taken with an electronic thermometer, which will reduce the amount of time the thermometer needs to be under the tongue.
Dr. David Fay
Family Physician"
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