COVID Home Monitoring

COVID Home Monitoring

Temperature and Oxygen Checks


To help you and your doctor know how you are doing at home, you will get reminders each day to answer some questions through MyChart. Based on the answers and numbers you enter, you will be directed to:

  • Continue with your care as you are now.
  • Contact your doctor as soon as possible for more instructions.

Take your temperature

Use a thermometer to check your oral temperature each day, and any time you feel your fever may be higher.

Do not put anything hot or cold in your mouth for at least 20 minutes before you take your temperature with an oral thermometer. The temperature in your mouth can affect the accuracy of the reading.

Using the thermometer

  1. Wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and then rinse and towel dry.
  2. Take the clean thermometer out of its holder.  
  3. Press the button to turn the thermometer on.
  4. Place the tip of the thermometer under your tongue.
  5. Close your lips gently around the thermometer. Do not bite down. You may need to hold it the thermometer in place with your hand.
  6. Keep the thermometer under your tongue until it beeps, about a minute.
  7. Remove the thermometer from your mouth and read the numbers in the window. This is your temperature. Write down your temperature so you can enter it into MyChart.
  8.  Keep your thermometer clean. Follow the cleaning instructions that came with your thermometer using rubbing alcohol or soap and warm water.
  9. Store the thermometer in its holder.

Call your doctor if your temperature is greater than 102.3 F, unless you were given other directions.
 

Check your oxygen level

A pulse oximeter, or pulse ox, is used to check the oxygen level in your blood each day, and any time that you are concerned about your breathing.

You clip the pulse ox onto your finger and a beam of light shines through the end of your finger to give a reading of your oxygen level.

Your reading will show on the screen within 10 seconds. The number of your oxygen level is shown as %SpO2. The other number is your heart rate or pulse, called PRbpm.

To get a reading

Be sure that your hands are clean and warm, and you are not wearing any nail polish or artificial nails on the finger you will use.

  1. Push the button to turn the device on.
  2. Pinch the clip and place it on your finger.
  3. Sit still and listen for a beep.
  4. Record the numbers on the screen and enter the oxygen level into MyChart.
     

When to seek medical help

Call your doctor if your oxygen level is less than 92.

Call 911 if your oxygen level is 88 or less and you have problems breathing.
 

© 2020 – April 21, 2023, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

This handout is for informational purposes only. Talk with your doctor or healthcare team if you have any questions about your care. For more health information call the Library for Health Information at 614-293-3707 or email: health-info@osu.edu.