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Thermometers

Whether cold and flu season is on the way or not, it's never to soon to protect you and your family. Investing in a thermometer is especially important for families with children although thermometers are also useful for adults and seniors. Why keep a thermometer on hand? Fever is the result of an underlying problem, usually a sign that the body is trying to fight off an infection or illness. While body temperature fluctuates throughout the day on its own, when it gets too high it could be a sign of a more serious problem. For children especially, a high fever (usually 103°F or higher) accompanied by fatigue, irratibility, loss of appetite or paleness, may justify a trip to the doctor. Having a thermometer on hand is a tool that parents can use to determine whether a child's illness is something to worry about or not. The same goes for adults. A thermometer simply acts as a self-diagnosis tool to determine the severity of the sickness.

Choosing a Thermometer 

There are a few basic things to consider when choosing a thermometer. Most importantly, it should be accurate. The more precise, the better. Besides that, a thermometer should be easy to use and comfortable. Comfort usually is more of an issue when dealing with children who tend to be more finicky about having their temperature taken. For most adults, a basic, inexpensive oral thermometer will do the trick. For children, you may want to consider another style thermometer. As far as price goes, don't expect that you will get more bang for your buck from a more expensive model. The inexpensive models are typically better performers than their pricey counterparts. !

Thermometer Types

* '''Oral Thermometers ''' **forehead thermometers, which tend to be poorly constructed, more expensive and substantially less precise. * '''Digital Thermometers''' ** Digital thermometers that feature large displays are easier to read, which may be more convenient. These thermometers also tend to give results much quicker than standard thermometers. ** Accuracy can suffer when batteries start to run low. ** There are a variety of digital thermometers including oral, ear, underarm and rectal.

Tips

* Always read instructions and learn how to properly use the thermometer, regardless of which type you choose. * For children less than three months old, try a rectal digital thermometer for the most accurate results. * Children less than four years old may be most cooperative with an ear thermometer, although rectal thermometers are still very accurate and appropriate at this age. * For all kids who are more than four years old, an oral thermometer is appropriate and reliable as long as they can hold it in their mouth for long enough. If they are coughing or having trouble breathing, it is best to use an ear thermometer or underarm thermometer. * Note that detecting a "high" temperature is not the same on all body parts. Rectal temperatures will be highest, followed by oral temperatures and then underarm temperatures.  * Clean the thermometer after each use. Replace batteries regularly and store in a safe, convenient place.