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A well-equipped medical kit is as important as a reliable COVID test in keeping your health and the health of those you love in check while the world rolls through new variants (we’re looking at you, Delta and Omicron!). A thermometer is a handy tool to add to your kit for monitoring your health — and ruling out fever from the list of coronavirus symptoms.
Narrow down the range of thermometer types out there to get the best for your needs delivered right to your doorstep.
From oral to forehead models.
Spend a couple of bucks on an oral thermometer or pay more for a forehead thermometer that takes infrared temperature readings. You'll find all options here.
Find thermometers for your pets or yourself.
Pet stores like Chewy.com typically stock thermometers that can be used for pets and humans alike. But be sure to label each thermometer so you're not sharing one with Fido.
Your one-stop-shop for first-aid supplies at a competitive price.
Rite Aid stocks a small selection of thermometers, as well as many other first-aid essentials to have in your home — and you can usually snag a great deal here.
Shop a large selection at nearly any price point.
No matter your budget, there's bound to be an option to suit your needs on Walmart's website. Plus, most items ship for free if you spend $35 or more.
New types of thermometers are now publicly available to more easily and accurately determine body temperature, even for little ones who are restless:
It’s likely your grandparents still have one or two of these inexpensive thermometers in their medicine cabinet or first-aid kid. But medical professionals and other experts no longer recommend the use of this type of thermometer due to breakage that can result in broken glass and the leaking of toxic liquid mercury.
Search for hazardous waste disposal sites near you to properly dispose of a mercury thermometer.
Yes, with the right app and device. Some phones are equipped with ambient sensors that make downloading a fingerprint thermometer or other app an option. Others require a device that plugs into your headphone jack.
While those on the market may be able to detect body temperature, the constant heating and cooling that’s a part of how our devices function can make accuracy an issue. You might want to stick with standard thermometers until technology catches up.
The Mayo Clinic advises that adults call a doctor if your temperature reaches 103°F or higher, but you shouldn’t be afraid to call for or more information if you’re uncomfortable. Let a nurse or other medical professional gauge other symptoms to determine whether you need to go in.
If you’re the parent of a child with a fever, call your pediatrician at any point if you’re worried. An elevated temperature can indicate infection. And many offices support walking you through the situation to determine whether an office visit is necessary.
