The Complete Guide to Buying Fever Thermometers

When you or a loved one is feeling under the weather, a reliable fever thermometer is the first tool you look for. It's an important necessity for every household, especially during flu season or in times of a health scare. Here’s how to go through the process of buying the best fever thermometers, including the types, features, and where to buy them.

Main Types of Thermometers

Digital Stick Thermometers

Digital stick thermometers are a versatile and indispensable tool for health monitoring, offering the convenience of being used orally, rectally, or under the armpit. Their affordability and accessibility make them a staple in households worldwide. These thermometers are designed for simplicity, providing reliable measurements and delivering fast results, typically within 2 to 60 seconds. Keep in mind that it’s necessary to use them properly for accurate readings, and this can be challenging for some demographics. For example, keeping the mouth closed around the probe can be hard for children. Additionally, oral measurements can be skewed if the individual has recently consumed hot or cold foods or beverages, which is why it’s recommended to wait 15 minutes after eating or drinking to take an oral temperature. Despite these considerations, digital stick thermometers remain a reliable and convenient option for quick and accurate temperature readings.

Non-Contact Forehead Thermometers

Forehead thermometers use infrared technology to measure the temperature from the forehead area. They can also measure milk or bath surface temperature, as well as ambient temperature. They're quick and non-invasive, making them ideal for checking the temperature of children 2 years of age and older.

Ear (Tympanic) Thermometers

Ear thermometers measure the temperature of the eardrum (tympanic membrane). They provide fast and accurate readings when used correctly. To ensure accuracy, the thermometer must be properly positioned and aimed directly at the eardrum, rather than the walls of the ear canal. These thermometers are not suitable for newborns and may be less effective if there is excessive earwax buildup. To take ear temperature properly, straighten the ear canal by gently pulling the middle of the ear back and up, and always insert the thermometer in the same ear with the same direction and depth for a consistent reading.

How to Choose the Best Fever Thermometers

Ease of Use

Consider thermometers that are easy to use and read. Features like backlit displays, color-coded fever indicators, and memory functions can make monitoring a fever more simple. BIOS Medical carries many thermometers with these features: the 5-Second and 8-Second Digital Thermometers.

Age or Needs

Your choice might depend on the age of the person needing their temperature checked. Forehead thermometers are great for young children, for example. They are convenient because they do not require physical contact, but they are not as accurate as digital stick thermometers, as temperature readings can be up to 1 degree Fahrenheit lower than digital stick thermometers. Additionally, young children or infants can use a stick thermometer rectally. Due to the accuracy of digital stick thermometers, adults might prefer them as well.

Accuracy

Accuracy is non-negotiable. Look for thermometers with good reviews on their precision. Sometimes, it's worth paying a bit more for a device that you can trust such as one from BIOS Medical. Among the various types of thermometers, rectal thermometers are regarded as the most precise, especially for children and infants. However, ear thermometers are often preferred for their ability to detect temperature changes early, as the ear is one of the first places in the body to register a fever. Contact digital stick thermometers provide reliable readings but can be affected by external factors like recent food intake. Non-contact thermometers, such as forehead thermometers, offer the convenience of quick readings without physical contact, but they may have slightly reduced accuracy and can be influenced by environmental conditions.

What is a Normal Body Temperature?

Normal body temperature averages at 98.6°F (37.0°C); which is also the average normal temperature result when using the oral measurement method.

It is important to note, however, when taking a temperature via other measurement methods this can vary slightly. Use the following guidelines to assess whether or not your temperature is considered ‘normal’:

• Rectal:

• Rectal temperatures result in a 0.5°F - 1°F/0.3°C - 0.6°C higher measurement than oral temperatures.

• Ear:

• Ear temperatures result in a 0.5°F - 1°F/0.3°C - 0.6°C higher measurement than oral temperatures.

• Armpit (Axillary):

• Underarm temperatures most often result in a 0.5°F - 1°F/0.3°C - 0.6°C lower measurement than oral temperatures.

• Forehead:

• Forehead temperatures most often result in a 0.5°F - 1°F/0.3°C - 0.6°C lower measurement than oral temperatures.

Please note: Temperature readings from different measurement sites should not be compared, as normal body temperature varies depending on the location and time of day. It typically reaches its lowest point about an hour before waking up and its highest in the evening. If you have any concerns about your temperature or the temperature of a dependent, reach out to your healthcare provider. Do not use a thermometer for self-diagnosis. 

The Importance of Monitoring Health and Fever Detection Year-Round

At BIOS Medical, we’re committed to bringing awareness to the importance of global health, year-round whether it’s fever season, or not. Today, let’s take time to make sure we’re prepared to detect fevers. Owning a reliable fever thermometer is a step toward better health management, and a fever thermometer is convenient, accurate, and takes versatile readings.

Where to Buy Fever Thermometers in Canada

Pharmacies

Local pharmacies often stock a wide range of fever thermometers. You can get advice from pharmacists on the best type for your needs.

Online Retailers

Other online retailers offer a decent selection of fever thermometers. However, they don’t provide fever management product bundles like www.biosmedical.com (https://biosmedical.com/products/fever-management-bundle-with-ear-thermometer-and-cooling-patches). Additionally, in order to sift through the options for a reliable thermometer, product reviews are the only form of guidance on big box store sites. It can be difficult to trust that these reviews align with your specific needs, and are genuine. Each review is a subjective opinion on a product. BIOS Medical only supplies the most reliable products, so you know you’re getting a thermometer you can trust. 

Shop Online at BIOS Medical for Fever Thermometers

BIOS Medical offers a diverse selection of fever thermometers, including digital stick and ear thermometers, and many more, designed for different needs and age groups. With detailed product descriptions, specifications, and convenient fever management product bundles, finding the right thermometer has never been easier. On the BIOS Medical website, you can compare models and conveniently have a reliable fever thermometer delivered straight to your door. Shop at BIOS Medical online to ensure you're always prepared to monitor fevers confidently.