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These Are the Digital Thermometers People Are Buying to Test for Fever and Other Symptoms
If you're showing symptoms of a fever, these digital thermometers can take your temperature for an instant and more accurate reading
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If you’re feeling achy or feel your body temperature spike, you may have a fever. But that old hand-to-forehead method your mom used to use, won’t cut it these days. To ensure a more reliable, accurate reading, you’re going to want to use a thermometer.
What Are the Best Thermometers For a Fever?
Symptoms of Fever: A fever can show up in different ways. Sometimes, you feel your body heating up, and you began sweating or feeling flush. Other times, it could be the opposite, with your body experiencing chills or shivering. Other common symptoms include prolong body aches and headaches, or trouble breathing. Occasionally, increased fatigue and lethargy could be a sign of fever as well.
Old school vs. New School: Depending on your age, you may remember those glass thermometers your parents used to keep in their first-aid kit or medicine cabinet. They looked a lot like the thermometers you use to check the weather outside, and back in the day, they also contained the same mercury or red dye found in your weather stations.
These days, you can still find those old school models available online, though they are all mercury-free (in fact, almost two dozen states have banned the sale of mercury thermometers due to the dangerous fumes and toxic gasses that can be released if the unit breaks and mercury gets into the air).
The latest thermometers come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, designed to be easier to hold, with larger displays and more features too. Some of the best thermometers will be digital units, that power up via rechargeable or replaceable batteries.
How to Take Your Temperature: There are a number of ways to take your temperature using a thermometer. The most popular way is orally, by inserting the tip of the thermometer into your mouth and holding it under your tongue. This is the most convenient way to get a reading, though improper insertion can often lead to choking and discomfort.
The “axillary” method takes a measurement under your armpit, by placing the thermometer in the center of your armpit and using your arm to squeeze it gently in place. Too much force, however, could throw off the reading. And sweat from your armpit could affect the number as well.
You can also measure your temperature using a “tympanic” or “in-ear” method. Simply insert the thermometer into one ear, until the ear canal is fully sealed off. Hold it still in place until a reading is generated. Make sure your ears are clean (I.e. free from ear wax) before inserting.
The most accurate reading could be a rectal measurement, which is done by inserting the tip of the thermometer into your rectum. As you can imagine, it’s not exactly the most comfortable. If you choose this method, you’ll also want to make sure you clearly label your thermometer so you don’t accidentally use it orally afterwards.
Non-Contact Thermometers: The term “non-contact” thermometer is thrown around a lot these days, and it basically refers to larger, digital thermometers that can get a reading from your forehead. These thermometers are becoming increasingly popular, but don’t let the name fool you: “non-contact” doesn’t always mean no touching. Yes, you can use these thermometers to measure body temperature without touching the forehead, but you’ll have to hold the device less than an inch or two from your skin. Still, for the most accurate measurement, it’s best to press the thermometer’s infrared sensor right up to your forehead, gently tapping it against your skin.
1. Nomad Contactless Thermometer
If you want to check a lot of people’s temperatures in quick succession, Nomad’s Contactless Thermometer is the right choice.
This is a truly contactless thermometer, which takes your temperature by using an infrared sensor. Measurements can be taken from up to two inches away, and you’ll get a reading within one second. Your temperature will show up on a small LED screen, and you can switch between fahrenheit and celsius.
Nomad’s contactless thermometer is FDA approved, and runs on a pair AA batteries. Nomad supplies batteries with the thermometer. We’ve tried this thermometer and found it very easy to use. Readings were quick, accurate, and totally painless.
As a bonus, Nomad is currently holding a 40% off sale on this thermometer, just use the promo code MEDICAL at checkout. This discount brings its price down to just $17.99.
Buy Nomad Contactless Thermometer $29.95
2. Lesparty Forehead Digital Thermometer
There are basic thermometers and then there’s this digital powerhouse, which uses infrared technology and a super sensitive sensor to deliver reliable, accurate readings in as little as one second.
The thermometer can be used by pressing it against your forehead or in your ear. A large LCD display shows your temperature clearly. Toggle easily between celsius and fahrenheit. The display is back-lit too, letting you easily see the numbers in the dark.
Choose from three different measurement modes: child, adult and “environment” mode, which gets you the current temperature in your room. A built-in memory chip keeps track of your last 40 readings, so you can track your progress.
This device is lightweight and easy to grip, but also durable and long-lasting. After you’re done wipe it down with a damp cloth or disinfectant wipe. This thermometer runs on two AAA batteries (not included).
Buy Lesparty Non Contact Forehead Infrared…
3. Medical Oral Thermometer
For a quick and accurate reading, consider picking up this basic medical thermometer, which takes your temperature orally, under the arm, or rectally. Get your results in as little as ten seconds with an accuracy range within 0.2°F. A beeping sound lets you know when your measurement is complete.
The light-up display is easy to read, while the soft and flexible tip won’t choke or poke (the company says it’s ideal for kids and even pets too).
Choose from fahrenheit or celsius mode. The auto-off feature powers down the device automatically after ten minutes of inactivity. A waterproof casing means you can easily rinse off the thermometer after use. Made with non-toxic materials, making it safe for kids.
Buy Boncare Digital Oral Thermometer $7.49
4. Braun Thermoscan 7 Digital Ear Thermometer
Braun’s Thermoscan 7 takes your temperature by sending an infrared light directly into your ear canal.
The thermometer will beep to let you know it’s in proper alignment to ensure an accurate reading. Your temperature will be shown on an LED screen within a few seconds, and the Thermoscan 7 will keep its last nine readings in memory, so you can track your temperature.
To improve comfort the Thermoscan 7’s eartip will heat up before you take your reading. If you’re taking multiple people’s temperatures one after another, be sure to swap out the thermometer’s lens tips for sanitary reasons.
The Themoscan 7’s memory function makes it a natural choice if you want to keep track of your symptoms throughout a prolonged illness.
Buy Braun Thermoscan 7 Digital Ear… $49.95
1. iHealth No-Touch Forehead Thermometer
This is one of the easiest thermometers to use, with an ultra-sensitive sensor that delivers more reliable and accurate readings.
This “non-contact” digital thermometer uses infrared technology to read your temperature from your forehead – no oral or rectal insertion necessary. In addition to a skin/forehead sensor, the thermometer has a distance sensor and an environmental sensor, that take into account other factors that might affect your reading.
An extra-large LED display lets you see your reading quickly and easily. This runs on two AAA batteries, which are included with this set.
2. Lesparty Forehead Digital Thermometer
There are basic thermometers and then there’s this digital powerhouse, which uses infrared technology and a super sensitive sensor to deliver reliable, accurate readings in as little as one second.
The thermometer can be used by pressing it against your forehead or in your ear. A large LCD display shows your temperature clearly. Toggle easily between celsius and fahrenheit. The display is back-lit too, letting you easily see the numbers in the dark.
Choose from three different measurement modes: child, adult and “environment” mode, which gets you the current temperature in your room. A built-in memory chip keeps track of your last 40 readings, so you can track your progress.
This device is lightweight and easy to grip, but also durable and long-lasting. After you’re done wipe it down with a damp cloth or disinfectant wipe. This thermometer runs on two AAA batteries (not included).
3. Medical Oral Thermometer
For a quick and accurate reading, consider picking up this basic medical thermometer, which takes your temperature orally, under the arm, or rectally. Get your results in as little as ten seconds with an accuracy range within 0.2°F. A beeping sound lets you know when your measurement is complete.
The light-up display is easy to read, while the soft and flexible tip won’t choke or poke (the company says it’s ideal for kids and even pets too).
Choose from fahrenheit or celsius mode. The auto-off feature powers down the device automatically after ten minutes of inactivity. A waterproof casing means you can easily rinse off the thermometer after use. Made with non-toxic materials, making it safe for kids.