Taking a child’s temperature is pretty straightforward, right?

You put the thermometer in their mouth, or ear, or on their forehead, keep it there for as long as needed, then read what it says. Simple!

Unfortunately our testing has found that finding out your child’s temperature is more tricky than you’d expect, due to a number of factors.

“We found that it can be confusing to know what temperature constitutes an actual fever,” says ÌÇÐÄVlog baby and kids expert Kim Gilmour.

It does depend on things like age, what part of the body you’re measuring, and the environment.

“Also, some thermometers convert the reading to what might be either a core temperature or an oral equivalent, adding to the confusion, and they don’t always make this clear in the instructions.”

What temperature is a fever?

Normal body temperature is generally 36–37°C, though this varies from person to person and can also be dependent on the time of day.

A fever is often defined as an oral temperature over 37.5°C for mild cases, or over 38.2°C in more severe cases.

Fever passes as the body fights off the disease, but babies with fever – especially those under three months of age – must be checked by a doctor in case the illness is serious. 

Always seek medical advice if you’re concerned about your child’s temperature or health.

Where are you taking the temperature from?

If you use a digital probe thermometer to take an oral temperature, you’ll get a different reading than if you take an axillary (armpit) temperature. That’s because different parts of the body are slightly different temperatures.

Let’s take oral temperature as a baseline. 

Here are the differences in temperature you’re likely to find if you take a temperature from a different part of the body:

• Ear: 0.3°C to 0.6°C higher than oral
• Armpit: 0.3°C to 0.6°C lower than oral
• Forehead: 0.3°C to 0.6°C lower than oral

Calculating oral equivalent temperature

To figure out the equivalent oral temperature when you’re taking a forehead reading, you’ll need to add 0.3°C to 0.6°C. 

To calculate the oral temperature from an ear reading, you’ll need to subtract 0.3°C to 0.6°C.

Is it a fever or not?

Imagine that you’ve taken your child’s temperature using an ear thermometer, and it comes back with a reading of 38.2°C – they have a fever, right? Well, maybe not. The equivalent oral temperature could be anywhere from 37.6°C to 37.9°C – warm, but maybe not a fever. 

BUT is the temperature readout the actual ear temperature, or the oral equivalent temperature? If the thermometer is displaying the oral equivalent temperature, then your child does have a fever. 

Confusing, right?

Which temperature is which?

When we tested baby thermometers, it was sometimes difficult to find out what kind of temperature reading the thermometer was giving: was it giving the core temperature, the oral temperature, the oral equivalent temperature, or the temporal artery temperature?

Even the instruction manuals often weren’t clear, and in some instances we had to contact the manufacturers directly to clarify which temperature their thermometers display. 

“Parents buying a thermometer off the shelf expect to know what type of temperature the thermometer is displaying, but many of the manuals don’t make it clear,” says Kim. 

Accuracy

Knowing whether your child has a fever can be even trickier if the thermometer you’re using is inaccurate. 

We found that good digital probe thermometers can meet their claimed accuracy to within 0.1°C. 

Ear and forehead thermometers are less accurate, but they don’t generally claim to be as accurate as digital probe thermometers. Our testing has found that they’re generally accurate to within 0.2°C.

Correct usage is the key to getting an accurate reading, so read the instructions or get a medical expert’s advice.

How to take your child’s temperature more accurately 

Dos:

• Find out what your child’s ‘baseline’ temperature is when they’re healthy. 
• Always take your child’s temperature in the same way and in the same location: oral, rectal, armpit, ear, forehead, etc.
• Read the thermometer instructions so you know how to use it and what kind of body temperature the thermometer is displaying – is it the tympanic (ear) temperature, or the oral equivalent?
• Make sure your child stays still while you’re taking their temperature. (Easier said than done, we know!)
• Make sure the ear thermometer is placed correctly in the ear, otherwise you may get an inaccurate reading. A build-up of earwax can also interfere with accuracy.
• Any baby under three months of age who has a fever should be taken straight to the nearest emergency department. 

Don’ts:

• Don’t take your child’s temperature straight after they’ve bathed or showered, or after they’ve been active. It can raise their core temperature, so you may not get an accurate reading. If they’re sweating, it can also affect the reading of a forehead thermometer. 
• Don’t take your child’s temperature straight after they’ve had food or drinks, if you’re using an oral thermometer. Hot or cold foods could influence the reading. Wait 15 to 30 minutes before taking their temperature.
• Don’t use ear thermometers on infants under six months – they’re generally not recommended due to the size of babies’ ear canals.
• Don’t use forehead thermometers on infants under three months; they’re generally not considered accurate for babies this young.
• Don’t bother using strip-type thermometers. Our testing has found that they’re very easy to use, but not very accurate. 
• Don’t use mercury or alcohol thermometers. If they break, they can cause injury or poisoning. 

The post When is a fever really a fever? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

• Digital probe thermometers
• Ear (tympanic) thermometers
• Forehead thermometers
• Other types of thermometers
• What to know before using a thermometer
•  Things to consider when buying a thermometer

What is a fever?

Fever, an elevated temperature above the normal range, is a typical symptom of disease. It’s often defined as an oral temperature over 37.5°C for mild cases, or over 38.2°C in more severe cases. Fever passes as the body fights off the disease, but babies with fever – especially those under three months of age – must be checked by a doctor in case the illness is serious. Always seek medical advice if you’re concerned about your child’s temperature or health.

Know your ‘normal’ temperature

Normal temperature ranges are slightly different for babies, toddlers, older kids, adults, and the elderly. They can vary a lot; the “normal” temperature of 37°C is only approximate and varies from person to person, and can also be dependent on time of day. Temperature also tends to be lower in the morning and higher in the evening – a variation of 0.5°C is typical.

The best method to determine an individual’s normal temperature is to use the thermometer when the person is feeling well. Record readings twice a day (early morning and late afternoon) and take the average of the two temperatures.

You have several options when choosing a thermometer to check temperatures (and you won’t find old mercury or alcohol models on most retail shelves these days).

Digital probe thermometers

Used for oral, armpit or rectal readings, digital probe thermometers are the most commonly available type of thermometer. Features vary depending on what you pay for, but they can include a fever alert indicator, large display and a recall of the last reading.

Pros

• Accurate for oral and rectal readings, often up to 0.1°C.
• Relatively cheap.
• Some can give oral results in as little as 8–10 seconds.

Cons

• May take up to two or three minutes for some models to give a result for armpit (axillary) readings, so may not be suitable for restless babies or children.

How much they cost: $10–$20.

How to get the most accurate reading from a probe thermometer

In general, a person should be still when their temperature is taken. Avoid taking temperatures immediately after your child (or an adult) has exercised or taken a shower or bath, as these temporarily affect body temperature. How you take a reading will also depend on where you’re taking the temperature.

Oral

The person whose temperature is being taken should not eat or drink for 15 minutes beforehand, as both can affect mouth temperature. Put the probe at the back of their mouth under the tongue and keep their mouth closed until the reading is complete.

Rectal

Lay your child on their side or, for an infant, on their stomach with legs hanging, such as over your knees. Lubricate the thermometer tip with petroleum jelly and insert it gently about one centimetre into the rectum. Temperature readings are usually 0.5°C higher than for an oral reading.

Armpit (axillary)

Ensure the armpit is clean and dry. Place probe in the armpit with tip touching skin and position the arm next to the body to ensure room air doesn’t affect the reading. You could gently hug your child to keep their arm in place. These readings are usually 0.5°C lower than for an oral reading.

Handling the thermometer after use

• You should always sterilise a probe thermometer after use, especially when it has been used for rectal readings.
• Check the instructions for specific advice on how to clean your thermometer.
• Usually, you can wipe thermometers with a soft cloth and warm water/mild detergent. Do not immerse in water unless the instructions state otherwise. Sterilise the probe with alcohol but avoid alcohol contact with the battery/display end of the thermometer.
• Use of a disposable sheath on the probe tip minimises spread of bacterial and viral infections.

Ear (tympanic) thermometers

Ear thermometers are inserted into the ear canal and use infrared rays to read the core body temperature. The temperature is calibrated to be used with a disposable probe cover intact, which keeps the thermometer hygienic.

Pros

• Quick to use.
• Less invasive than digital probe thermometers.

Cons

• While a good ear thermometer can be accurate, they must be carefully positioned to get an accurate reading. That may be hard if the thermometer is not shaped to suit the eardrum, or if your child’s ear canal is too small.
• Either ear may show a different reading, and there must not be any built-up earwax.
• Not generally recommended for infants under six months.
• Need to factor in the ongoing cost of the probe covers, which are single-use only. 

How much they cost: $20–$120, plus probe covers ($18–21 for a pack of 40 depending on the brand).

Forehead thermometers

Forehead thermometers use an infrared scanner to measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead.

Pros

• Quick (it takes one to three seconds for a result).
• Non-invasive.
• Some are ‘touchless’ – these are handy for a sleeping infant and can limit the spread of germs.
• A good indicator of temperature, but generally not as accurate as a digital probe thermometer.

Cons

• Temperature variations may appear depending on skin type, skin colour, whether the person is wearing make-up, or sweat.
• They aren’t always easy to use.
• They aren’t usually considered accurate for use on infants under three months.

How much they cost: $30–120.

Other types of thermometers

Temperature strips 

A plastic strip with heat-sensitive crystals that change colour to give a temperature reading. Temperature strips are very easy to use, but not very accurate. They cost around $10 or less.

Mercury/alcohol thermometers

These thermometers contain mercury (a silvery-grey liquid metal) or alcohol (usually coloured red). They’re cheap and accurate, but nowadays are more likely to be found in an old first aid kit than on a chemist’s shelves. They’re harder to read than digital thermometers, and there’s a risk of poisoning if they break and release their contents.

Other types of thermometers

• We previously reviewed the Nurofen ‘FeverSmart’ thermometer which used a Bluetooth-enabled temperature monitor placed under your baby’s armpit with an adhesive patch. It connected to an app to continually track your baby’s temperature but at $140 plus $10 for a four-pack of single-use adhesives, it wasn’t cheap.
• Some thermometers have multiple functions such as both ear and forehead functionality, or both forehead and touchless modes.

What to know before using a thermometer

Regardless of which type you choose, always read the instructions to make sure you know how to use the thermometer correctly and get the most accurate reading.

For instance, it’s a good idea not to consume anything for half an hour before using an oral thermometer, in case hot/cold foods influence the reading. Similarly, exerting yourself may mean that sweat can influence the accuracy of a forehead thermometer.

If you’re unsure, get your doctor to show you the best way to use the thermometer.

Rather than wait until someone is sick until you use your thermometer for the first time, you can find out what constitutes a ‘normal’ temperature for you or your child by noting down multiple readings when you’re healthy.

Some ear and forehead thermometers use an algorithm to convert the temperature to an oral temperature equivalent, while others may display a slightly higher ‘core’ temperature. It isn’t always clarified in the instructions. Your baseline might also be different depending on other variables such as gender, age, skin type, skin colour, and the ambient temperature.

 Things to consider when buying a thermometer

Accuracy

ÌÇÐÄVlog has confirmed that good digital probe thermometers can meet their claimed accuracy to within 0.1°C.

Ear and forehead thermometers are accurate enough, though they usually don’t claim to be quite as accurate as digital probes – accuracy to within 0.2°C is the typical claim. Correct usage is the key to getting an accurate reading, so read the instructions or get a medical expert’s advice.

Time to reading

Probe models generally deliver a reading in less than 60 seconds. Most models wait until the thermometer reaches a stable temperature then emit a tone and display the reading, but some use a predictive method, meaning they take a partial reading and calculate the final temperature based on mathematical modelling. This makes them faster than most other models, and according to ÌÇÐÄVlog tests, just as accurate.

Infrared ear and forehead thermometers usually give a very fast reading, often within three seconds or less, making them easier to use on a restless child. The Nurofen FeverSmart takes eight minutes to ‘warm’ up.

Display

The larger the display, the easier it is to read. Ideally it should be backlit, too, so you can take a reading at night.

Tones

Audible beeps indicate when the thermometer is ready to take a reading, and when it has finished. Many models also let you turn the sound off, which is handy if you want to avoid waking a sleeping infant.

Fever alert

Some models have a distinct tone and/or colour-coded display to show when the patient’s temperature is above normal.

Flexible tip

This is useful for comfort, particularly when taking rectal temperatures.

Cover/bag

This is for protecting the thermometer when it’s not in use.

Memory

Many models can recall at least one previous reading, some as many as 35. This is good to detect whether temperature is improving or stabilising.

Probe covers

For a digital probe thermometer, disposable sheaths help keep the thermometer clean and hygienic, which is useful if you have to take readings from more than one person, though wiping the probe with sterilising alcohol between readings will also do the trick. Ear thermometers also have compatible, disposable covers, which are typically required to be in place before they can be used (they’re also calibrated to work with the covers placed). They can cost between $18–21 for a pack of 40. Always keeps probe covers away from infants as they may pose a choking hazard.

Batteries

It’s important that you, the adult user, can easily access and change the battery when needed, but you don’t want your child to do that. Many digital probe and infrared thermometers use button batteries, which are very dangerous if swallowed. After a lengthy ÌÇÐÄVlog campaign, products sold in Australia now have to adhere to a mandatory button battery standard. So always keep thermometers and any spare batteries well out of reach of young children and don’t let them use thermometers unsupervised. 

Our thermometers review lists the battery type required for each model.

The post How to buy a great personal thermometer appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

From littlies in day care who just love putting their heads together, right through to teens taking selfies (yes, , according to at least one expert), head lice are regular visitors in many Australian homes.

Here’s how to get rid of them.

How to treat head lice

No one product is 100% effective at removing head lice, and no product has been proven to ‘repel’ head lice in the first place – despite the claims you’ll see on chemist and supermarket shelves.

But before you fall into a deep, itchy despair there is some good news, especially when it comes to your wallet. The most effective treatment option for mild infestations is also the cheapest: conditioner and a lice comb.

The conditioner stuns the lice for up to 20 minutes and makes it difficult for them to grip the hair or crawl around. You can then mechanically remove them with a nit comb.

You’ll need to repeat this treatment every few days for 10 days to break the lice life cycle. While it isn’t fast, your child’s hair will look soft, glossy and gorgeous after days of deep conditioning.

How to get rid of lice using conditioner and a lice comb:

• Brush your child’s hair while it’s dry to get the tangles out.
• Grab a bottle of thick, white conditioner and squirt it liberally over the hair.
• Using the nit comb, work your way through the hair methodically, combing from root to tip. (You can divide hair into sections if it’s particularly long or thick.)
• Wipe the comb on some paper towel or a tissue after every stroke (you’ll probably see lice and eggs in the conditioner).
• Comb each section of hair several times, wiping the comb on paper towel after each stroke.
• Once you’re done, put the paper towel in the bin and wash the comb with detergent and hot water.

You’ll need to repeat this process every few days for 10 days. The first treatment kills live lice, the second kills any young lice that have hatched in the interim.

Which lice comb is best?

Generally your best bet is a comb with metal, cylindrical teeth. But there’s a bevy of options available and you may want to experiment to find the one that’s best for you or your child.

• Combs with metal, cylindrical teeth are gentle on scalp and hair, and when used with conditioner they remove most lice and most eggs. While more expensive than plastic, they last longer.
• Combs with plastic teeth are gentle on scalp and hair, and when used with conditioner they remove most lice and some eggs.
• Combs with flat metal teeth can damage the hair shaft, and when used with conditioner they remove some lice and few eggs.
• Electronic combs (which kill or stun lice with an electric shock) should only be used on dry hair, and remove most lice, but no eggs. They can’t be used on babies and shouldn’t be used by people with epilepsy, heart disease or a pacemaker.

Terminology – nits vs lice

Lice

These are the actual little creepy-crawlies themselves. They can’t fly, so they spread via direct head-to-head contact. Adult lice are 2–4mm long and they’re a light brown colour.

Nits

These are the lice eggs. They’re about the size of a pinhead, and can’t be brushed off the hair like dandruff can.

Other treatment options

Why isn’t the treatment working?

Lice are wily creatures and they’re becoming resistant to conventional insecticides, which is why resistance can vary region by region. The bottom line is: if one product ain’t working, try another.

Other reasons a treatment might fail:

• You’re not using enough of it to cover the scalp and hair.
• You’re not repeating the treatment after seven to 10 days. (This kills any nits that have survived the first application.)
• You’re getting reinfested due to head-to-head contact with another person.

How to stop head lice from coming back

The risk of transmitting lice by sharing  hats, hair brushes or bed linen is low. NSW Health says you don’t need to worry about washing these as head lice quickly dehydrate and die if they leave the head.

There’s no evidence that anything you put on your child’s hair will act as a repellent. Some studies suggest that because head lice are crawling insects that can’t jump or fly, once they’re on your child’s head they can’t ‘choose’ to leave, even if they want to.

So while there’s not much you can do to keep head lice away in the first place (though tying up long hair can help), you can catch any new arrivals by running your lice comb and conditioner through your kids’ hair once a week.

So as you grab your bottle of conditioner and get to work, it’s good to remember that famous old Pantene TV commercial: when it comes to lice removal, “it won’t happen overnight, but it will happen”.

And as a consolation for the hours of combing, maybe you can spend what you save on expensive head lice treatments on a nice bottle of wine or chocolates, just to keep your spirits up while you get to work with the comb.

The post How to get rid of head lice appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

A fever is usually defined as an elevated body temperature of 38°C or higher (normal body temperature is generally 36–37°C).  Since there can be as little as 1°C difference between a healthy temperature and a fever, getting an accurate reading is important. 

But how do you know that your thermometer is giving you an accurate temperature reading?

Cold, flu and COVID-19: It’s very difficult to distinguish between the symptoms of COVID-19, influenza and a cold. If you have symptoms such as a sore throat, headache, fever, shortness of breath, muscle aches, cough or runny nose, you may need to self-isolate and to be assessed by a medical professional. You may also need testing for COVID-19. 

How accurate are personal thermometers? 

Our personal thermometer reviews test digital probe thermometers, infrared thermometers (forehead and ear) and the Nurofen Feversmart Temperature Monitor which sticks directly to the skin. 

Most thermometers claim to be accurate within 0.1–0.3°C. But our team of experts found that some personal thermometers can be off by as much as 0.83°C, meaning that a healthy temperature of say, 37.4°C could be misread as a fever of 38.2°C, causing unnecessary alarm and even unwarranted trips to the emergency room. 

While we mostly found thermometers which showed incorrectly elevated temperatures, there have also been consumer reports of thermometers showing readings lower than the actual temperature, leading to missed fevers.

Six of the 15 thermometers in our latest test did not meet their own accuracy claims. All the models that failed to meet their accuracy claims were forehead infrared thermometers (one was a forehead/ear thermometer), as well as the Nurofen Feversmart Temperature Monitor, which is a patch you place directly on your skin. 

We also tested repeatability, which measures the consistency of the thermometer’s readings. Six of the 15 thermometers did not achieve good repeatability, meaning they displayed variable temperatures when testing the same person over a short period of time. Those with poor repeatability were all either ear or forehead infrared thermometers.

Which thermometers can you trust?

We recommend thermometers that score at least 75% overall, and are accurate and easy to use, with no unsecured button batteries. Our top rated thermometers give accurate and consistent results and if used correctly you can be confident they are correctly diagnosing your child’s temperature. 

A good thermometer is generally considered to be accurate to within 0.3°C. Our top-rated digital probe thermometers can meet their claimed accuracy of within 0.1°C. 

Ear and forehead thermometers are generally less accurate, but our testing has found that the better models are still accurate to within 0.2°C.

Remember to check for other symptoms

Emergency paediatrician Dr Ruth Barker says that while noticing a fever is helpful, monitoring other symptoms is just as important.

“Parents need to remember that the degree of fever is not the sole indicator of illness,” says Barker. “It should form part of a broader assessment which involves the child’s level of alertness, their colouring – if they look flushed, or pale or grey, their food and water intake and the presence of other symptoms like vomiting.

“Regardless of what the thermometer says, if you think your child is sick, you should seek medical attention.”

Case study: A close call with a newborn

Katie* believes she missed a fever in her newborn son because of an inaccurate forehead thermometer.

“One day when my son was about two months old, I noticed he was really irritable and I suspected he might have a fever, but he had no other symptoms,” she says. 

Katie took her son’s temperature with a forehead thermometer and it came up as 36°C.

“I had a feeling something wasn’t right so I tried to book him into the doctor. The receptionist asked if he had a fever and I said no, so she said it wasn’t urgent and booked me an appointment the next day.

“The next day, before leaving for the doctor, I took my son’s temperature again and got the exact same reading as the day before. But when the doctor took his temperature, it showed a very high fever, so my son was immediately given Panadol and taken in the ambulance to the emergency department. 

“We were sent to another hospital where our son was admitted and treated with regular antibiotics and Panadol for his high temperatures. Luckily he recovered and we were able to take him home after two long nights in hospital. We never found out the cause of his illness – it was recorded as an infection of unknown cause.

“I kept thinking that if only we had identified his fever earlier he could have had Panadol and antibiotics before things escalated.”

*Not her real name

Case study: A false positive

Jaime says her newborn daughter was admitted to hospital unnecessarily after an inaccurate forehead thermometer reading.

“When my daughter was 11 days old we had the doctor come for a home visit because she was sneezy and snotty,” Jaime says. 

The doctor used a thermal forehead thermometer and got a temperature reading of 38.4. He told Jaime her young daughter likely had an infection and needed to head to children’s emergency just to be safe. 

“When we arrived, the medical staff said even though she didn’t have any symptoms, they needed to check for everything because of the high temperature reading she had had at home,” says Jaime. “So they used a cannula to draw bloods and they wanted to take spinal fluids too, but I refused. 

“We had to stay in hospital for 24 hours before they told us that she had no infection, no symptoms and no fever readings – there was nothing wrong with her at all. 

“I was so shaken and exhausted by this experience. As a first-time mum I trusted the thermometer and the doctor’s comments over my own instincts and I still beat myself up over it today.”

Case study: Problems in childcare centres

Childcare worker Sarah says she’s noticed the forehead scanning thermometers used in her centre are often inaccurate.

“Recently I noticed that one of the babies seemed to have a fever, so I checked and got a reading of 38.0,” says Sarah. “It was quite a young baby so I immediately alerted my boss to the high temperature. She came over to check herself and got a reading of 36.7, so said there was no need to alert the parents.”

Sarah was certain the baby was unwell and the centre continued to check her temperature throughout the day. 

“We kept getting such different readings that we never ended up alerting the parents,” she says. 

“There have been lots of times I’m sure a child has a fever but the inconsistent readings mean that the parents aren’t alerted.

On the flip side, Sarah says there have also been times when the centre has sent kids home with a fever, only for their parents to later report they didn’t have a fever at all when they got home. 

“One parent actually brought their own digital probe thermometer from home so that we could get accurate readings for their child.

“It’s hard because we’re asking parents to trust us with their kids, but we don’t trust the thermometers we’re using and the results we are getting.”

How to get an accurate reading

Even if you have a highly accurate thermometer, you can still get an inaccurate reading if you don’t perform the test properly. Temperature readings are affected by a number of different factors, including:

Measurement location

Different parts of the body are slightly different temperatures, so you’ll get different readings depending on where you test. Ear readings will generally be 0.3 to 0.6°C higher than oral readings, while armpit and forehead readings can be 0.3 to 0.6°C lower than oral readings.

Tip: Make sure you always test at the same location so you can accurately track changes over time. 

Baseline temperature

Different people will have a different healthy baseline temperature, so it’s helpful to refer to a known baseline temperature to accurately diagnose a fever.

But body temperature can vary by as much as 0.5°C throughout the day, with lower temperatures in the morning and higher temperatures in the evening. A woman’s temperature can also fluctuate with their menstrual cycle – generally it’s 0.5°C higher after ovulation, then goes back down when you get your period.

Tip: Take a reading in the morning and the evening when you’re feeling well to establish your average healthy body temperature.

Food/drinks and activity

Consuming hot or cold food or drinks can affect oral temperature readings, while exercise or a hot shower can elevate forehead temperature.

Tip: Stay as still as possible during the reading and don’t take a forehead reading directly after a bath, shower or exercise. Wait 15 to 30 minutes after eating or drinking to take an oral temperature.

Incorrect use

You need to read the thermometer’s instructions and follow them carefully to get an accurate reading. 

Tip: For oral readings, place the probe under the tongue and close the mouth. For armpit readings, keep the arm tightly pressed against the body. For ear readings, make sure the probe is positioned correctly.

Paediatrician’s tip: Dr Barker says that many parents simply feel their child’s forehead. “I often ask parents if their child feels warm, hot or burning,” says Barker. “It’s subjective, but the more parents practice it, the easier it gets. It can also be a helpful second check if what the thermometer is telling you doesn’t seem right.”

Advice for choosing a thermometer 

While choosing a thermometer with accurate readings is important, there are other factors to consider when deciding which model to buy.

Decide which type you want

There are three main types of personal thermometer on the market and each has their advantages and disadvantages.

Digital probe thermometers

These are usually fairly accurate and affordable but some take quite a long time to deliver a reading so may be tricky to use on kids. Dr Barker recommends buying a digital probe thermometer as the most accurate and convenient option that will suit the whole family.

Ear thermometers

These deliver fast readings but can be difficult to position correctly and readings can be affected by ear-wax build up. Dr Barker says parents of babies under 12 months should steer clear of ear thermometers, saying they are tricky to use with small ear canals and therefore can often be out by as much as 2°C.

Forehead thermometers

These are quick and non-invasive, but results can vary depending on skin type, skin colour, sweat, or whether the subject is wearing make-up. They are also not recommended for use on infants under three months.

Features to look for

• a large, backlit display 
• an audible beep that tells you when the reading is ready
• a colour change or tone when a fever is detected
• a memory function that displays the last temperature reading (or multiple previous readings) recorded so you can track changes
• a model that doesn’t use button batteries or has a safe battery compartment which does not allow children to access dangerous button batteries.

How are thermometers regulated?

A digital thermometer which is intended to be used for diagnosing fevers or monitoring human body temperature is considered a medical device and must be included on the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG). 

This means personal thermometers are required by law to comply with set out by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 

The regulations state that medical devices like thermometers that have a measuring function must provide “accurate, precise and stable measurements” appropriate for that device.  

There is a standard (ISO 80601-2-56:2009) which specifies the general and technical requirements for thermometers, including a requirement that the thermometer is accurate within 0.3°C. 

However this standard is not mandatory to meet TGA requirements, meaning thermometers aren’t strictly required to achieve this accuracy in order to be listed on the ARTG.

And while manufacturers are required to undergo auditing by an independent third party and to provide evidence that their product complies with the regulatory requirements, products are not usually tested by the TGA before being sold. 

The post How accurate is your personal thermometer? appeared first on ÌÇÐÄVlog.

On this page:

•  Over-the-counter analgesics – how safe are they?
• Which one should you choose?
• Different forms of painkillers
• Safety tips
• Dose according to weight – with caveats
• Fever and analgesia
• Should you use analgesia after immunisation?
• How much do children's painkillers cost?

 Over-the-counter analgesics – how safe are they?

The choice in over-the-counter (OTC) painkillers for children is restricted to ibuprofen and paracetamol, although once you include the huge array of different strengths and product forms there are more than enough products to choose from.

Both appear to be equally effective and are very safe, though in Australia paracetamol is the slightly more favoured of the two. Paracetamol can be given from the age of one month, whereas ibuprofen can only be taken from three months on.

Which one should you choose?

Paracetamol is still the drug of choice for reducing pain and fever – mainly because of its proven track record over decades – but there’s still a very real risk of poisoning through overdose. Overdose causes jaundice and liver failure, and can result in death if the maximum daily dose is exceeded or when repeated doses are given to children with pre-existing liver disease (such as viral hepatitis). Malnutrition and lack of food can increase the likelihood of liver toxicity.

Ibuprofen for children has become more popular over the last decade. Side effects of ibuprofen include gastrointestinal upset, NSAID-induced asthma and kidney problems, especially if a child is dehydrated (from vomiting, diarrhoea and/or not drinking enough).

Note: Aspirin should never be given to children under 16, because it’s associated with a rare but serious disease called Reyes Syndrome which can cause delirium and coma.

The good news is that the risk of overdose or adverse side effects from over-the-counter painkillers is generally very low if they’re used correctly – following our safety tips will help you avoid those risks.

Remember that painkillers won’t treat the cause of the pain – only the pain itself. If your baby or child is unwell, or suffering moderate to severe pain, it’s important to see a doctor to find out the cause.

Different forms of painkillers

Painkillers for babies and children come in a variety of ‘child-friendly’ forms:

Drops

Usually recommended for babies and very young children, because you can measure the dose much more precisely. It’s also one of the easiest ways to give medicine to very young children.

Suspensions

Thicker because the active ingredient is ‘held’ in the liquid by a suspending agent. Shake them well before use.

Elixirs and syrups

Thinner liquid products with the active ingredient dissolved and an agent added to mask its bitter taste.

Chewable tablets

Suitable for children two and older (check the package) and can be crushed and mixed with honey or jam to make them more palatable.

Effervescent tablets

Available for children seven and onwards.

Suppositories

May be useful if your child can’t tolerate oral pain killers.

Safety tips

When giving painkillers to babies and children, follow these tips to be safe:

• Use the right product, strength and dose for the child’s age and weight. Recommended doses, according to the child’s age and weight, are given on the product packaging. Different rules apply to very overweight children – see below.
• Different products, and different forms of a product, may vary in strength, so always read the package carefully for the dosing instructions specific to the product you’re giving.
• Don’t give the painkiller for more than 48 hours, unless specifically advised to by a doctor.
• Use the measure provided – or if there isn’t one, a metric medicine measure – to pour the dose.
• Make sure the bottle cap is on securely after use, and keep it in a safe place out of the reach of children.
• Check the labels of all medicines before administering them, as paracetamol or ibuprofen can appear as an ingredient in a variety of medications (like cough syrup) and you don’t want to double up.
• If you don’t know how to measure or use a product, or if you don’t understand the label, ask your pharmacist for help.

Dose according to weight – with caveats

When determining the dose, it’s recommended you use the weight guidelines provided on packaging rather than age, because some children are bigger or smaller than average for their age. However, there’ve been reports of liver toxicity effects in very overweight children on a long course of paracetamol. This is because the lean body weight is the key determinant for the dose. If a child is more than 20% overweight according to , they should be dosed according to lean weight. This can be estimated using charts as follows:

• Using the height chart, determine the child’s height percentile band for his/her age. For example, a 5-year-old boy is 115cm, which puts him in the 90th percentile band for height.
• Using the weight chart, determine the predicted weight of a child of that age in that percentile band. For example, the 90th percentile for the weight of a 5-year-old boy is 22kg – far less than our boy’s actual weight of 29kg.

In the case of overweight children, dose your child according to the predicted weight (22kg in this example), rather than their actual weight (29kg).

Fever and analgesia

If your child has a fever, it may be tempting to reduce it by giving paracetamol or ibuprofen. But most doctors these days don’t recommend this – fever is one of the ways that a body’s immune system fights infection. However, if your child is feeling uncomfortable analgesics will make them feel better. And there’s no evidence that lowering fever means children stay sicker longer.

Note: Using analgesics to reduce fever doesn’t prevent febrile convulsions.

Should you use analgesia after immunisation?

Kids almost never need analgesia before or after immunisation: it won’t reduce the sting of the needle, and modern vaccinations are less likely to cause fever than those of some years ago. If you have any concerns, see your GP for more information.

What to look for

• Buy the right product for the child’s age and weight. Age guides are usually given on the package, such as Children 5-12 years.
• Choose a form your child prefers: drops are best for babies; suspensions, syrups and elixirs for toddlers and older children, with soluble or chewable tablets providing further options.
• If your child is vomiting or can’t stand the taste of the medicine, consider suppositories (and buy some disposable gloves!)
• If your child has any known allergies or intolerances, check the ingredients.
• Painkillers taste pretty bad at the best of times, and worse when your child’s sick. If you find a flavour they can tolerate, stick with it.
• Buy one with a measure included, unless you have appropriate measures at home.

How much do children’s painkillers cost?

Products range from a few dollars to about $15, depending on the size and brand.

Many pharmacies have their own brand of painkiller, so you may save some money buying these. Just check the ingredients for any that may cause problems for your child, if they have allergies or strong dislike of certain flavours.

If you’re comparing prices, make sure you’re comparing like with like. For example, in two bottles the same size, one bottle may seem cheaper because it costs less, but the recommended dose may be larger so it costs more per dose.

More information

For more information about administering painkillers to your child, read the information sheet about from the Children, Youth and Women’s Health Service. This has a lot of useful information about these medicines and their appropriate use. Also see our article about headache, migraine and painkillers and the dangers of medication overuse.

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On this page:

• Hayfever treatment options for children
• Saline nasal irrigation
• Antihistamines
• Eye drops
• Immunotherapy
• Other treatments

With symptoms including sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy, watery eyes and itchy throat, hayfever can affect sleep and mood, impacting on school and learning, and quality of life in general.

Meanwhile, for children with asthma, uncontrolled hayfever can bring on asthma attacks, while controlling allergies can help prevent asthma developing.

Hayfever treatment options for children

Preventive measures are an important first line of treatment, which means identifying and avoiding the allergens causing the hayfever – for seasonal hayfever that’s usually pollens, while pet hair and dust mites are common allergens for ongoing symptoms. 

However, it’s not always practical or possible to avoid allergens, leading parents to seek other treatment options. And hayfever management for adults isn’t always appropriate for children.

The following treatments are considered suitable for children. Note that ages are those provided by manufacturers – in some situations, children younger than this may be recommended to take a particular medicine under medical supervision.

Saline nasal irrigation

As a first line of treatment, try saline nasal irrigation. It’s inexpensive and in many cases effective, helping reduce runny nose, congestion, nasal itching and sneezing. It’s the most gentle option, and suitable for babies from one month old. Try once a day, while bathing the child.

Kits for children are available at pharmacies, and contain a nasal irrigation bottle and sachets of pre-measured salt for mixing with warm water. A syringe or bulb applicator could be used instead, or you could buy ready-made spray.

Antihistamines

If saline nasal irrigation isn’t helping, your next port of call is antihistamines – either oral (tablets, liquid or drops) or nasal spray.

Oral

Antihistamines in tablet or liquid form are good for managing a range of symptoms. However even the newer ones may leave kids a little drowsy, especially when they first start taking them. Headaches and stomach upsets are other side effects.

Cetirizine (for example, Zyrtec) and loratadine (for example, Claratyne) can be used in children from one year old, and fexofenadine (for example, Telfast) in children from two years for hayfever. Ask your pharmacist for products in forms and dosages appropriate for children.

Nasal spray

An antihistamine spray may be a better alternative for children five years or older – they act in the nasal passages, work faster than liquids (within 15 minutes) and last up to 12 hours. Their main downside is they can leave a bitter taste – using before a meal or flavoured drink could help. A bleeding nose, nausea and headache are other possible side effects.

Unlike antihistamine tablets and liquids, nasal sprays don’t treat sore or itchy eyes – consider using eye drops if this is a problem (see below).

Azelastine (Azep) is suitable for children five years and older and can be used for up to six months uninterrupted. Levocabastine (Livostin and Zyrtec) can be used for children six and older for up to eight weeks.

Eye drops

For red, itchy or watery eyes associated with allergies, medicated eye drops can help.

Levocabastine (Zyrtec) eye drops are suitable for children six and older for up to eight weeks at a time, and help treat red, itchy and watery eyes. Azelastine is also available as eye drops (Eyezep), suitable for children four and older for use up to six weeks at a time.

Another type of eye drop is a decongestant and antihistamine combination – naphazoline hydrochloride and pheniramine maleate – found in Visine-A and Naphcon A. They can be used by children six and older, but only for a few days.

Immunotherapy

If your child’s hayfever is so severe it dramatically impacts on their quality of life, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy. This means having allergy testing, then taking regular doses of the allergens that affect you, starting with very small doses and increasing over time.

For children, sublingual (tablets or drops under the tongue) are often used, mainly for their convenience – they can be taken at home. Injections – which are cheaper – are also used.

While it might not ‘cure’ hayfever, immunotherapy can relieve the severity of symptoms and reduce the need for other medication. Talk to your doctor about immunotherapy options.

Other treatments

If antihistamines don’t help, corticosteroid nasal sprays may be worth trying, as long as your doctor agrees. They don’t work as quickly as antihistamines – it could take hours rather than minutes. They’re most effective when used regularly to maintain a steady dose over time, and reach maximum effectiveness after two to four weeks’ use. 

When nasal congestion is the primary symptom they have been shown to be more effective than antihistamines. However, side effects include nosebleeds, headaches and irritation of the nose and throat, and some nasal corticosteroids have been implicated in growth retardation in children.

Many over-the-counter products carry advice that they are not for children under 12,  however, your doctor may recommend a suitable one for younger children, and prescribe directions for use.

Oral and nasal decongestants are not recommended for children.

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