Newsflash: Not all temperatures above 98.6 are a fever, and not all thermometers work the same.
Here’s what you oughta know.
You may be thinking, how hard is it to actually take a temperature?
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The truth is, a fever is 100.4F or higher.
Get a baseline temperature for the whole family.
Sure, 98.6F may be average, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only normal temperature reading.
Genetics, time of day, physical activity, and even food and beverage can impact a temperature.
When in doubt, wait it out and call your physician with any concerns.
Know which thermometer to use.
All of them work, to varying degrees.
Dr. Altmann says ear thermometers are the most accurate means of taking someone’s temperature.
For small babies, many physicians still recommend taking the temperature rectally.
Under the tongue and under the arm have become less popular methods of taking a temperature.
However, this may be the easiest way to get a reading in some adults or kids.
and has become commonplace, but sometimes you’ll get different readings three times in a row.
A popular gadget for taking a temperature is the non-contact infrared forehead thermometer.
And if you still own a mercury thermometer, it’s time to throw it out.
They are no longer recommended in any situation due to the toxicity of mercury.
“Just read your doctor exactly what it says and let them take things from there.”
Stay home if there is a fever.
However, there is no need to panic.
Just be sure to assess other symptoms and monitor how your sick loved one is acting.
Mackowiak PA, Chervenak FA, Grunebaum A.Defining fever.Open Forum Infect Dis.
2021;8(6):ofab161.
2022;19(23):15883. doi:10.3390/ijerph192315883
