A: Wait at least 30 minutes after eating, drinking, or exercising to take your temperature. Wait at least 6 hours after taking medicines that can lower your temperature, like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin.

A: An oral thermometer is the most accurate instrument for taking your temperature.

A: The CDC recommends using oral thermometers because they are easy to read and include a digital screen that clearly displays your temperature. Make sure to read all the instructions or package inserts from the manufacturer before using your thermometer. Turn the thermometer on by pressing the button near the screen. Hold the tip of the thermometer under your tongue until it beeps. This takes about 30-40 seconds. Do not bite the thermometer. Read your temperature on the digital screen. Wash your thermometer with cold water, clean it with rubbing alcohol, then rinse it again to remove the alcohol and dry it well with a clean tissue or paper towel before placing it back in its storage container.

A: Record your temperature in the 14-Day Temperature Log, which is located within your Wellness Center. The Wellness Center is accessible from your CB Bridges™ dashboard.

A: You can buy an oral thermometer from most pharmacies, such as CVS and Walgreens. You can also find them at Amazon, Allheart, Walmart, Staples, and Target.

A: Traditionally, a body temperature of 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (37 degrees Celsius) was defined as normal. But recent evidence suggests that it is normal for body temperatures to fluctuate between about 97 degrees Fahrenheit (36.1 degrees Celsius) and 99 degrees Fahrenheit (37.2 degrees Celsius), and to increase during the day. It is common for your temperature reading to differ slightly from one to the next.

A: The clinical definition of a fever in an adult is defined as exceeding 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, or 38 degrees Celsius. Given variances in temperature collection methods, CastleBranch’s best practice is to consider temperature readings equal to and above 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit, and 37.7 degrees Celsius, as possible feverish temperature readings.

A: There are many different reasons the human body may develop a fever and it is a heathy immune system function. If you record a fever  in your log, first, contact your school administrator. Second, contact your health care provider to make an appointment for a wellness check.

A: The Cleveland Clinic is a great resource for guidelines on how to take your temperature. Go to my.clevelandclinic.org, then click on the search feature, the magnifying glass in the upper right corner. Type in “how to take your temperature.”