Different temperature in each ear

DS is 6 and has a fever since he's gone to bed. The thermometer reads a different temp in each ear though! Which temp do I go by? Also, what is considered a fever or high temp for a 6 year old?

Re: Different temperature in each ear

In my experience, if the ears are different temps, the higher one sometimes has an ear infection. Sometimes, not always. My pediatrician said not to trust ear thermometers though, she said by 6, an oral reading is preferred. I know my kids are "off" if they have anything over 99.6ish, but I think the "official" fever temperature is 100.4?? Don't quote me on that!

Ugh, good luck. I hate fevers.

Re: Different temperature in each ear

I used to get a different temp in the same ear every time I took it. Oral is so much more accurate to be honest

Re: Different temperature in each ear

Yeah I usually get that with my kids

I go by the higher one

As for what number to look for for a six year old I’m not sure. I know babies and toddlers it’s 100.4

Message edited 6/2/2019 8:35:52 AM.

Different temperature in each ear

I don’t think I’ve ever gotten the same temp in both ears. I’m surprised you normally do.

For a child that age I’d base it more on how they’re acting than what the thermometer says. If they’re 102 and running around playing I’d be less concerned than if it were 100.4 and they were holed up in bed.

Re: Different temperature in each ear