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.
2006-08-17 14:39:46 · 5 answers · asked by Help pls 2 in Health ➔ Other - Health
I placed the thermometer under my tongue. Where it has always been placed.
2006-08-17 14:49:11 · update #1
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. :)
2006-08-17 14:48:10 · answer #1 · answered by KF 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have that problem with thermometers all the time, it depends where on your body you take the temperature and how good the brand of the thermometer is. I do think that thermometers don't often measure the right temperature. The best unit to take temperature nowadays I think is the one that hospitals use, where they check temps. in the ear. Sometimes you can tell someone is running a fever simply by their pupils (the dilation), their cheeks (flushed, and when worse with white under their eyes), and the tips of their ears (very red). You know the fever is pretty high when you can't bend your head forward without your eyes feeling like they're going to pop out.Hope that helps a little.
2006-08-17 14:45:18 · answer #2 · answered by Lucy 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
BROKEN THERMOMETER. YOU CAN BUY AN ANALOG AND DIGITAL THERMOMETER TO HAVE AN ACCURATE CONFIRMED PARAMETER, ONLY IF YOU ARE QUESTIONING.
2006-08-17 15:04:18 · answer #3 · answered by einsteinliam2 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
oh yes, put it at the hottest part of your body......
2006-08-17 14:51:11 · answer #4 · answered by Henry W 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
have her stick it up your @ss
2006-08-17 14:45:01 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋