We are all waiting to see what the new normal will look like. And, we are so ready for a Do-Over. It appears that the price of admission to an Event may be a body temperature under 100 degrees, thanks to Corona. The $150 price tag will not be the reason you do not get to see your favorite Entertainer. Hold that for a minute! Imagine. . half time during the show, you run to the concession stand for a beverage only to get on a long line to take your temperature, before you get on another line to make your purchase. What an Inconvenience! This could be our new way of life and we must protect each other. So, in the grand scheme of things, being on line is not so bad. But, if you miss the winning shot in the last quarter of the basketball game and you did not get to see the play, because you were on that long line. Do not be discouraged. It's still a Win, Win. You were being protected and your team won. Where is the inconvenience?
On another note, remember when your Mom took your temperature with that glass tube under your tongue and she had a hard time reading the result? Those days are gone. In fact those mercury relics should be disposed of at a hazardous waste facility. The main reason they are no longer recommended, is that mercury can poison you. This can happen when the glass breaks and mercury is released.
What is a normal body temperature?
Normal body temperature is about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit (°F) or 37 degrees Celsius (°C). Normal temperature often varies from 1° to 2°F (½° to 1°C). A normal temperature is usually lower in the morning and increases during the day. It reaches its high in the late afternoon or evening. Normal maybe different for you & me. So check with your MD to know your numbers.
Digital Thermometers
A digital thermometer is the most accurate and quickest way to take a temperature at home. They are available in most drug stores and big box stores. Depending on where you shop, a digital thermometer can cost less than $25. Be sure to follow package instructions while using any thermometer. And you need good batteries.
- Oral: For this method, the thermometer is placed under the tongue. This method is used for adults and children 4 and over who are able to hold thermometer in mouth.
- Rectal: For this method, the thermometer is inserted gently into the rectum. This is mostly done in babies but can used in children up to 3 years of age.
- Axillary: For this method, the thermometer is placed in the armpit for young children or adults whose temperature can’t safely be done orally.
When Using a digital thermometer
- Wash your hands with soap and warm water.
- Use a clean thermometer, one that has been washed in cold water, cleaned with rubbing alcohol, and then rinsed to remove the alcohol.
- Do not eat or drink anything for at least five minutes before you take your temperature because the temperature of the food or beverage could make the reading inaccurate.
- Hold the thermometer in the same spot for about 40 seconds.
- Readings will continue to increase and the F (or C) symbol will flash during measurement.
- Usually, the thermometer will make a beeping noise when the final reading is done (usually about 30 seconds). If you are keeping track, record the temperature and the time.
- Clean the thermometer and store safely. (Read more Here)!
New technologies have expanded measurement options and can provide faster, more convenient readings. These include:
- Tympanic Thermometers, which measure the temperature of the tympanic membrane in the ear
- Temporal Thermometers, which measure the temperature of the temporal artery at the forehead or temple
- Non-Contact Thermometers, which are a type of temporal thermometers that can measure without making direct skin contact. Used at most public events.
The Non-contact thermometer is the most popular, and it can be seen at your Doctor & Dentist offices, restaurants, public spaces and events. While these methods provide fast temperature measurement, they will have the best results if they are used following manufacturer's instructions. Most manufacturers require that their instruments be used at “room” temperature. This is because software calculates the core body temperature equivalent by scanning the forehead and factoring in environmental temperature. For best results, these instruments also require the patient acclimate to room temperature.
In my research it was found that your Smart Phone can also be used to monitor your temperature with some apps on the market. You can take your own temperature or someone else's right from the iPhone using the Kinsa Smart Thermometer. The device simply connects to the iPhone headphone jack. The app will display the patient's temperature almost immediately on the screen. The Thermodo, a thermometer for your smartphone sells itself as a high-precision thermometer that lets you measure the temperature in any environment using the audio port on your device. There are many other cellphone apps on the market that can do plenty, you just have to do your own research. In fact, Samsung and Motorola had phones with thermometers. Samsung did it with the Galaxy S4 & Note 3. Some smart phone temperature taking apps are reviewed here.
The hand-held, non-contact thermometer that you may come in contact with in public spaces, has emerged as a good high-tech choice for detecting fever quickly. And according to what we know about the Coronavirus, a fever is a true symptom. It is known to be non-invasive, accurate, infection-free and relatively inexpensive. But, like all devices there is a possibility of user error. If you are feeling ill or if your child seems to be ill, it’s likely that you will reach for your thermometer. Often one of the first questions a health provider asks, is if you have taken the temperature of the person who is ill. Therefore, make sure you have a dependable Thermometer readily available. If you have any questions, contact your Physician as soon as possible. We have to take charge of our health and our families, so do your research and Live your Best Life!
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