RTs and supp. Usual in what countries

In France, when I grew up (70s-80s) rectal temperatures were the norm for adults and children in hospitals, and were also the norm in many families including mine (though I know other families used oral or armpit). However, once old enough the nurse asked the patient to insert it under the bedsheets, this was not as intrusive as having it inserted by somebody else.

Suppositories were also commonplace to give medications, especially for children.

Enemas were rare.

Nowadays, rectal temperatures are still common for babies. Many adults, particularly over 40, continue using them for themselves, if they are used to that since childhood. It is however considered old fashioned.

Medicine given in suppository form has become rare, many brands that once existed are no longer sold (e.g. in the past the same medicine was sometimes available in suppository and oral form, the suppository form is now discontinued).

They used to be normal in Germany when I grew up...

@JJM Argentina has an incredible mix of cultures from Europe and Asia, not unlike the U.S. I'm not sure though that it has a large German influence since the influx from WWII. It interesting though how Argentina opened it's doors to both the Jewish and Nazi refugees, alike. Never quite understood that one! Anyway, I am sure the the first two generations of Euroculture had a lot to do with this still happening into the third and fourth, but, I can't say it's more because of German than Chinese influence, for example. I just think that's the way it is. In Chile for example, I needed medical attention for a minor illness and a minor injury. On both visits to a local clinic, there was no pause, it was taken rectally, "directally". I just think it's a matter of the medical culture where you are. I was also given medication on one of the visits that was in the form of suppository.

I can agree to DrJulia. As a child it was normal in Germany to get suppositories when you where ill.

I spent time in Spain, as a foreign exchange student during the 70's, and was treated for a cold, with antibiotics. My temp was taken under my arm. My wife is from Spain, and moved to Colombia, when she was young. She told me that rectal temps are not common in Spanish-speaking countries. At least that was her experience. I guess that it depends on the country, and the specific area. One of the posters mentioned that he knew a woman from Cuba, who took her temperature rectally. The nice thing about this forum, is that it's a great opportunity to share and learn from everyone's experiences.

I don't think Asia can be lumped as a single homogenous entity.... Each country differs from the other so dramatically... it's like saying in "Europe" everyones does xyz...

In China, rectal temperature taking is quite normal for kids but not for adults; in Hong Kong, it used to be a lot more common but now the ear thermometer has taken over but you can still get hold of mercury rectal thermometers in every pharmacist you go to.