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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Raytek MT4 Mini Temp Non-Contact Thermometer Gun with Laser Sighting $38.99 Temperature range: 0 to 750 Degrees F (-18 to 400 Degrees C) Laser targeting distance-to-spot: 8:1 Backlit display Selectable degrees C or F Small and compact, non-contact with 98 percent accuracy. Data hold feature. Uses 9 V Battery.... |
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BD DigitalThermometer ... |
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Exergen Temporal Artery Thermometer with Silver Ion Antimicrobial Head $23.00 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 $27.50 Model V977. Clinically proven accurate. Instant readings. MemoryTracker recalls 12 readings. Non-invasive. Gentle ComfortTouch Tip. Fever InSight feature. The forehead thermometer provides innovative, clinically proven technology that makes taking temperatures easy for both parents and children. Features: Fever InSight - large color changing display and backlight. Fast - 3-second readings. MemoryT... |
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Humminbird 7300101 TG W Temperature Sensor $22.74 Temperature SensorTemperature Sensors are an optional accessory for many Humminbird fishfinders. The sensor provides a quick response to changes and readout from 25 degrees to 99 degrees. Description: Temperature Sensor 20 ft. cable. Temperature range of 25-99.9 degrees F. For Use With: Wide Eye Wide View Wide Vision Wide 3D View Wide 3D Vision Wide 3D Vista Wide Optic Wide Portrait Wide Panorama ... |
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ADC Adtemp 427 Temple Touch Thermometer $9.50 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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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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Zoo Temps Digital 20-second Thermometer $47.07 This thermometer has a Fever Alarm and a last reading memory recall. This thermometer has five animal styles: Daniela Duck, Carlos Cow, Frieda Frog, Bella Bunny and Pedro Puppy.Peak temperature tone99.5-degree Fahrenheit Fever AlarmLast reading memory recallWater resistantIncludes detailed guidebook in English and SpanishSet includes five animal styles: Daniela Duck, Carlos Cow, Frieda Frog, Bella Bunny, Pedro PuppyProduct has clinical accuracy to 2/10ths of a degree FahrenheitAlso comes complete with a soft, flexible tip and a large, easy-to-read displayAlong with a low battery indicatorFeatures an automatic shut-offElectronic Fahrenheit and Celsius degreesSwitchable use: Ear, oral, rectal and underarm |
