If you’ve perused my “Favorites” page with all of my favorite blogs and websites, then you know that I’m a huge fan of the Sears family of pediatricians. They’re “naturally-inclined” and not afraid to question the status quo…and they dole out medical advice that I can feel good about taking to heart. 

In preparation for this post about the Exergen TemporalScanner, I decided to bring you some basic information about fevers – what is considered a “high fever,” when to call the doctor, etc. – courtesy of the Ask Dr. Sears website:

ARE FEVERS DANGEROUS?

No. Many parents have a misconception that fevers are a bad thing and a sign that there is some serious underlying illness. This simply is not true. Fever is a normal and healthy response of the body to an illness. The body’s immune system releases chemicals that raise the body temperature. This is part of the normal infection-fighting process.

WHAT TEMPERATURE CONSTITUTES A FEVER?

• Normal temperature – 97 to 99 degrees (36 to 37.2 Celcius).
• Low-grade fever – 99 to 100.9 degrees (37.3 to 38.3 Celcius).
• Common fever – 101 to 103.5 degrees (38.4 to 39.7 Celcius).
• High fever – any fever over 103.6 degrees (39.8 Celcius).

WHEN NOT TO WORRY

• Low-grade fevers are generally not serious, are easily treated, and can wait until the morning to be evaluated by your doctor.
• Fevers of 101 to 103 (38.4 to 39.5 Celcius) are also generally not serious and can wait until morning to be evaluated (there are some exceptions…).
• High fevers of 104 (40 Celcius) or higher that quickly come down to 100 or 101 (37.8 to 38.3 Celcius) when treated are also generally not serious and can wait until morning (there are some exceptions…).

WHEN TO PAGE YOUR DOCTOR

• If your infant is 6 weeks or younger, and has a fever of 101 or higher, this is considered a medical emergency. 
• Infants age 7 weeks to three months with a fever over 101 warrant an appointment with your doctor within the next several hours.
• If your child of any age is lethargic, irritable, exhibits signs of meningitis, or has a temperature of 104 or higher that won’t come down even after being treated, then you should page your doctor.

To read the full article (it’s a “goodie”), click here.

To take your child’s temperature quickly, painlessly, and comfortably, consider investing in an Exergen TemporalScanner. It’s a “a totally non-invasive system with advanced infrared technology providing maximum ease of use with quick, consistently accurate measurements.” Just swipe the scanner across your little one’s forehead (or your own)…and a temperature will appear in seconds (In fact, this method is so gentle that you could probably take your baby’s temperature in his/her sleep). I just took mine and the display screen promptly told me that my temp is 98 degrees. I expect that the temperature is correct since the scanner has been proven to be more accurate than ear thermometers by a Harvard Medical School Study.

The scanners retail for between $30-$50 (depending on where you shop) and are available at Walmart, Babies R Us, Costco, and other big box shops.

WIN IT! One winner will receive an Exergen TemporalScanner. To enter, leave a topic-related comment on this post prior to Monday, February 16 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.). * Winner must provide a U.S. mailing address.

*UPDATE* The winner is #148 Bess. Congratulations!