Advising on a thermometer for family use.

Abstract

Families will find it useful to have a clinical thermometer, but parents should be taught that children's illnesses can present in a range of different ways and that a young baby can be ill despite having a normal temperature. For people who find mercury thermometers difficult to use and read, alternatives are digital, strip or ear thermometers. Digital thermometers are safe, accurate and very easy to read. Colour-strip thermometers are placed on the skin and change colour at certain temperatures. As well as forehead strips there is a newer kind which can be used under the tongue. Ear thermometers are increasingly popular for young children, being safe, easy to read and accurate.