Advertisement
The short answer from a family medicine specialist
A: With the surge of COVID-19, many hospitals and businesses have implemented temperature screenings for employees, patients and customers using infrared thermometers. These devices offer efficiency, safety and accuracy in detecting fevers in large groups of people. They don’t, however, detect COVID-19 in these individuals.
Advertisement
Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy
Research has shown that, when used correctly, infrared or no-contact thermometers are just as accurate as oral or rectal thermometers. No-contact thermometers are popular among pediatricians, as kids often squirm around when trying to get a temperature read, but it also holds true in mass temperature screenings. The device offers safety to both parties while providing a quick and accurate read.
Of course, when available, an internal thermometer is the gold standard in healthcare, but due to COVID-19 and the need to quickly mass test, a no-contact thermometer has become the standard. The operator needs to follow the device’s protocol and it won’t pick up a fever on someone who has taken fever-reducing medication. But with many establishments now requiring temperature checks, these hand-held thermometers are proving to be safe, quick and accurate while helping to reduce the spread of coronavirus.
– Family medicine specialist Neha Vyas, MD.
Advertisement
Learn more about our editorial process.
Advertisement
Bleeding is a risk and warrants taking care, but the reward of this lifesaving medication is great
Some natural home remedies may offer relief, but they lack scientific evidence and won’t typically cure the condition
Some types of expired meds may not be harmful, but they probably aren’t worth the risk
Leaving footwear on invites germs, bacteria, toxins and other unwanted guests into your home
Besides questionable effectiveness, herbal supplements aren’t safe for everyone
Start slowly with clear fluids, and then move to bland, easy-to-digest foods
Many factors, like dehydration, a cold or even your medication, can result in these common symptoms
A healthy diet can easily meet your body’s important demands for magnesium
A super high heart rate means you’re burning more than fat
Type 2 diabetes isn’t inevitable with these dietary changes