But I’ve learned that in a pinch you can use a meat thermometer to take your temperature. 102.6. Am I done?
Well, first, it depends where you put the thermometer in. Second, most meat thermometer is not calibrated nicely at the low end (your body) temperature, so it can be inaccurate. Third, many meat thermometers have a fairly inaccurate for body temperature measurement. For a meat thermometer +/- 1 oF is considered pretty accurate for cooking, but a +/- 1 oF can be scary for fever measurement.
This one, for example, has a +/- 1.9 oF (essentially 2 oF)
"MORE ACCURATE: Habor Digital Kitchen Thermometers has Sensitive Sensor Chip and Thin Probe Tip, which control error range ±1.8℉.This is a very excellent performance! "
https://www.amazon.com/Habor-Instant-Read-Meat-Thermometer/dp/B01DISPQJ0/
"ACCURATE READING:GDEALER meat thermometer with temperature range of -58°F ~ 572°F (-50°C ~ 300°C), accurate to ±1℃(±2℉) between -50~200℃(-58℉~392℉),±2℃/℉ more than 200℃/392℉. "
https://www.amazon.com/GDEALER-Waterproof-Thermometer-Calibration-Function/dp/B077N9T555/
Thanks for the info. I’m sure mine is not accurate for checking the flu. I placed it under my tongue for one minute. I have a regular thermometer but I somehow messed up the settings and can’t get it to work. I’m feeling lousy so I may head to the doc soon.
As always please consult a dr and do not rely on any information on this site in lieu of medical advice!
As when cooking chicken, you need to jam it into the thickest part of your thigh to get an accurate reading.
Hope you feel better soon!
You win the internet today!!!
Oh man that sucks. Definitely see a dr!
I came down with a really nasty cold myself this weekend but so far doesn’t seem to be the flu that’s going around. I think it helps to clorox wipe every surface you touch regularly ince or twice a day at your apartment and basically just lots of rest and nourishing liquids.
Thanks. Feel better soon. The reason I asked about where you measure your temperature is that you can get different readings.
Quote:
The average normal oral temperature is 98.6°F (37°C).
A rectal temperature is 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature.
An ear (tympanic) temperature is 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) higher than an oral temperature.
An armpit (axillary) temperature is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature.
A forehead (temporal) scanner is usually 0.5°F (0.3°C) to 1°F (0.6°C) lower than an oral temperature.
OMG LOL ! Too funny