 | Fever Thermometer Tests
  In this article we examine the right way to use a fever thermometer tests. One sign that a cold like illness is more than a cold is fever—a substantial variation from normal temperature. For accurate measurement, you need a fever thermometer—a rectal type for babies, an oral type for anyone more than three years old. Both types are specially designed to hold their readings—the column of mercury goes up but will not go back down unless you force it to. This one-way movement of the liquid is caused by a constriction at the bulb exit. Thus, to use the thermometer, you must first force mercury past the constriction back into the bulb by shaking. For a true oral measurement, wait 20 minutes after eating or drinking anything hot or cold; then place the bulb under your tongue, turn it, and hold it in place for at least three minutes with lips closed. Because the mercury column is very thin, it is impossible to see unless the thermometer is held at an angle that allows the glass to magnify it. This is the best way to conduct fever thermometer tests. | Most Popular Common Cold And Flu ArticlesHow Does The Common Cold Affect Your Body Palpitations And Need To Cough Cough With Frothy White Sputum Types Of Rheumatic Heart Fever Pain Constant Low Grade Fever Nutritional Requirements Needed To Treat Fever Flu Symptoms With Neck And Back Pain And Muscle Aches Who Discovered Influenza Is Canada Ready For A Pandemic Influenza | |
| SHAKING DOWN
Grasp the thermometer firmly at the end opposite the bulb and shake it hard with quick downward snaps of the wrist until the column of mercury falls below the 95° F. mark.
READING THE THERMOMETER
Hold the thermometer in good light and rotate it slowly between your fingers: an incorrect position (top) may be only a few degrees of rotation away from the correct one (bottom), at which the band of mercury is clearly visible. Though 98.6°F. is often cited as normal, individuals’ and any reading in the green range above can be considered normal. An elevated temperature (yellow) usually indicates illness more serious than a cold. Consult a physician when a reading rises above 102° in an adult (above 103° in a child) or persists more than three days. Consult a doctor immediately if any fever exceeds 104° (red). This is especially important when using fever thermometer tests. | Twitter About The Common Cold Cure  | | Common Cold Tip Of The Day Several studies have shown that both groups are equally susceptible. However, their symptoms differ. Smokers develop coughs more often than nonsmokers, and the cough persists longer; nonsmokers more often have a sore, scratchy throat. |
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