Place the tip of the thermometer under one side of your tongue. Leave it inside for 3 minutes. After 3 minutes, take the thermometer out of your mouth. Find where the mercury line ends by rotating the thermometer until you can see the mercury and read the temperature. It is the body's normal response to infections.
Fever helps fight infections by turning on the body's immune system.
In general, the height of the fever doesn't relate to the seriousness of the illness. How sick you feel is what counts. Fortunately, the brain's thermostat keeps untreated fevers below this level. HOME CARE Extra fluids and less clothing Drink extra fluids. Iced drinks are especially helpful.