You can tell if you have a fever by checking your body temperature.
Checking Your Body Temperature
There are several ways to check your body temperature:
- Oral: Place a digital thermometer under your tongue and keep your mouth closed for a few minutes.
- Rectal: Insert a digital thermometer into your rectum. This method is generally considered the most accurate.
- Armpit: Place a digital thermometer under your armpit and hold it there for a few minutes.
- Ear: Use an ear thermometer to measure the temperature inside your ear canal.
- Forehead: Use a forehead thermometer to scan your forehead.
Normal Body Temperature
A normal body temperature can vary slightly from person to person, but it's generally considered to be between 97.5°F and 99.5°F (36.4°C and 37.5°C).
Fever
A fever is a body temperature that is higher than normal. A temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is typically considered a fever.
Other Symptoms of Fever
In addition to a high body temperature, you may also experience other symptoms of a fever, such as:
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Chills
- Sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
When to See a Doctor
If you have a fever and you're concerned about your health, it's important to see a doctor. They can help determine the cause of your fever and recommend the best course of treatment.
