How I can I be "running a fever" and have the thermometer repeatedly say 97.4?
Although I KNOW I am running a fever and am assured our digital thermometer is working properly, it consistently says my temperature is BELOW what it should be. My Fiancee says it is a "low grade" fever and to add two degrees. I am curious as to what you all think. I have already decided to get a new thermometer but want to know if any of you have been told the same thing. (add two degrees). Thanks.
I placed the thermometer under my tongue. Where it has always been placed.
You never have to actually add degrees to a temperature. When we discuss temperatures of a patient, we do say "101 degrees orally or 103 degrees rectally, etc...but we do not ever add degrees to correct for the thermometer. This is a common myth.
If you are taking your temp in your mouth, normal is anywhere between about 96.4 and 99.6 or so...there is no ONE normal temperature. The myth of a normal temp being 98.6 was because the person who invented the thermometer took the temperature of 100 healthy people and averaged them, and the average was 98.6. Your temperature changes through the day and based on a lot of factors. If your thermometer says your temperature is 97.4, you are likely not running a fever but are just feeling warm or cold (which does not necessarily have to do with your body temperature).
Oh...and as for the type of thermometer to use...the ear thermometer is (in fact) notoriously unreliable. The most accurate thermometers are the good old mercury kind...digital oral thermometers are fine too, but don't waste your money on the fancy ear thermometers...I don't EVER trust them...and I am a pediatrician who sees a LOT of kids with fevers. 
Vicks Fever Insight Forehead Thermometer
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BD DigitalThermometer ... |
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Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer with Silver Ion Antimicrobial Head $27.88 Take your index finger, put it on the center of your forehead, slide it on a line over your eyebrow to your hairline. If you had the Exergen thermometer in your hand, you would have taken the quickest and most accurate non-invasive temperature available. Features: * Method of choice of Premier Hospitals |
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Vicks Forehead Thermometer $29.95 Kaz Inc V977 Vicks Digital Thermometer V977 Thermometers... |
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ADC Adtemp 427 Temple Touch Thermometer $11.98 AMERICAN DIAGNOSTIC CORP ADTEMPTM Temple Touch Thermometer Provides an accurate 6 second non-invasive temperature reading at the temple, using patented conductive technology; no probe covers needed. Features audible tone when measurement is complete, last reading memory and automatic shut-off. Water resistant; uses 2 "AAA" batteries (included), minimum of 1,000 readings over a 2 year period. Dual ... |
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Kintrex IRT0421 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser Targeting $42.29 The IRT0421 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer with Laser is designed to accurately measure temperature from a distance. Simply pull the trigger and aim the pistol grip thermometer at an object using the laser indicator and the unit will provide an accurate temperature measurement in less than a second. The IRT0421 has an advanced highly accurate infrared sensor with a Distance to Spot Ratio of 12 t... |
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Raytek MT4 Mini Temp Non-Contact Thermometer Gun with Laser Sighting $36.00 Large, easy-to-read backlit display! Give instant non-contact readings, just point and shoot. Unlimited automotive and other uses! Measure in Celsius or Fahrenheit with an ultra-fast response time. First number in distance to spot ratio indicates how far away you can be from target(in inches, to measure area of 1in. diameter circle). Operates on one 9V or NiCad battery.... |
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ThermoTech TT1022 Non-Contact Digital Infrared Laser Tempature Thermometer $37.88 Just press the trigger and know the temperature of virtually anything you point the laser at even at a distance. Perfect for maintenance industry, food preparation, horticulture, HVAC, construction, mechanics, medical, animal care and much more. The Thermo Tech also comes with a battery and leather holster for easy portability. The TT1022 features an Extra Bright Laser to pinpoint temperature at a... |
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MABIS Digital Oral Thermometer with Covers $6.99 0% 0.2°F (-17.7°C) 1 Minute 1.60 oz 15-691-000 Digital Oral 60 second Thermometer 5 x Probe covers 2 x Piece storage case Meets ASTM Standard E 1112 Use thermometer orally, rectally or under the arm. Deluxe 60 Second Digital Oral Thermometer features a 60-second readout, tone signal to indicate peak temperature, special tone to indicate temperature above 99.5 degrees, recall of last temperature reading, and large easy-to-read digital display. Clinical accuracy is to 0.2 degree. Thermometer meets ASTM Standard E 1112 and includes five probe covers and clear two-piece storage case. Armpit Auto-off Digital Oral Thermometer with Covers Digital Thermometer Fahrenheit Fever Alarm LCD MABIS MABIS Healthcare Memory Recall No Oral Rectal www.mabis.net |
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Mark Of Fitness MF-1 Digital Fever Thermometer $9.95 Fever alarm beeper and last reading recall Switchable Fahrenheit to Celsius scale Self calibrating The Mark of Fitness MF-1 Digital Fever Thermometer features an easy-to-read digital display, accuracy to 2/10 °F, and beeps when finished reading. Fever ala |
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Veridian V Temp 10-second Hypothermia Digital Thermometer $10.83 This V Temp 10-second Hypothermia Digital Thermometer features safe for oral, rectal or underarm readings and has a clinical rigid tip and backlit display for easy reading. This digital thermometer includes five probe covers, storage case and battery. Backlit displayProfessional accuracy to 2/10ths of a degree FahrenheitPeak temperature tone, last reading memory recall and fever alert for temperatures above 99.5-degrees FahrenheitFahrenheit/Celsius measurementsWaterproof for hygienic cleaningClinical rigid tipSafe for oral, rectal or underarm readingsAutomatic shut off and low battery indicatorWide range measurements 78-111.9 degrees Fahrenheit (26-43.9 degrees Celsius)Includes One (1) thermometerOne (1) half storage case Five (5) probe coversOne (1) long lasting LR41 battery One (1) set of detailed English/Spanish instructionsDue to the personal nature of this product we do not accept returns. |
