What Is the Best Thermometer for Fever?
A reliable thermometer is essential for detecting fever
A reliable thermometer is essential for detecting fever
When it comes to your health, accuracy matters a lot. This is especially true when measuring a fever. A good thermometer is a must-have in every home. It is the first step in spotting a possible illness.
With many types of thermometers available, how do you pick the best one?
There are several factors to consider, like ease of use, cost and the age of the user. Digital oral thermometers are reliable and often used by families. For newborns and infants, rectal thermometers are usually the best choice.
“Fever is a natural response to infection or illness. It signals that your body’s immune system is actively fighting an invader,” says Katherine Siroky, MD, a family medicine physician at Scripps Coastal Medical Center Jefferson in Oceanside. “Though it is a common symptom, monitoring fever accurately is crucial.”
Why is fever a key symptom?
Using the right thermometer ensures accurate health information, while wrong readings can lead to misdiagnosis or improper treatment.
“Accuracy is especially significant in managing health conditions, making informed decisions and seeking timely medical attention,” Dr. Siroky says.
Fever is defined as temperature of 100.4 Fahrenheit or above. Normal body temperature can range from 97 F to 99 F.
Common causes of fever include viral infections like the flu or cold. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat or urinary tract infections, can also cause fever.
Other causes are heat exhaustion and inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. Some medications can also cause fever as a side effect.
What is the best thermometer?
All thermometers are designed to give accurate temperature readings and must meet federal standards to be sold in the United States.
Choosing the best one involves a few steps. First, think about the age of the user. Different age groups have different needs.
Ease of use is very important. Some thermometers have clear displays and simple controls. Others can be harder to use. Pick a model that you and your family can use easily and confidently.
Also, pay attention to how accurate and fast the readings are. Quick and correct measurements are important during a fever.
Finally, look at any extra features that can improve the device’s use, such as:
- Flexible tips for comfort
- Color-coded alerts for temperature levels
- Smart features for syncing with apps
- Probe covers for hygiene
Digital thermometers
Digital thermometers are popular and easy to use. They use heat sensors to measure body temperature.
Standard digital thermometers are the most common type. They can be used for oral, rectal or underarm measurements.
Rectal thermometers are recommended for newborns and children up to age 3. They are gently placed into the rectum. Some models have flexible tips to make them more comfortable.
Oral thermometers are best for children over 4 years old and adults. They are placed under the tongue to check body temperature. Some models have flexible tips for added comfort.
Underarm thermometers are easy to use. However, they are not as accurate as oral or rectal methods. Still, they can be helpful if you cannot take your child’s temperature another way.
Infrared thermometers
Infrared digital thermometers measure temperature with infrared technology. But they do so in different ways. They include:
- Forehead thermometers measure the temperature of the temporal artery in the forehead. You can use them by swiping across the forehead or holding them at a distance, depending on the model.
- Ear (tympanic) thermometers measure temperature inside the ear canal. Proper positioning is important for accuracy. Ear wax can affect readings. Doctors advise not to use an ear thermometer on babies under 3 months old.
Mercury thermometers
Mercury thermometers are becoming outdated due to safety issues. They were once common but are no longer recommended. They can break and toxic mercury can leak out.
Smart thermometers
Smart thermometers connect to smartphones through apps. They give real-time updates and keep detailed records. Besides tracking, smart thermometers also have alerts and reminders for medication.
“No matter which thermometer you pick, it’s always important to follow the instructions and make sure that you clean it properly before each use,” says Dr. Siroky.