Stock Up Now on Cold and Flu Supplies
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Aches, pains, stuffy nose, watery eyes. A cold and the flu share so many of the same symptoms that it can be difficult to tell them apart. However, medical experts say that one of the key identifiers for flu is the sudden onset of a high fever. Proper diagnosis can make the difference in treating cold and flu and feeling relief faster, and getting an accurate and easy temperature reading is important.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu season in the United States usually ranges from November through March, and sometimes lasts into early spring. Colds crop up at roughly the same time and may overlap with allergy seasons in the spring and fall. A combination of chilly, dry air and more time spent indoors within close proximity to others already carrying the cold or flu virus are what makes the fall and winter prime times to catch a cold or flu bug.
Tens of millions of adults and children succumb to flu every year in the United States alone. New antiviral drugs can help to limit symptoms and shorten the flu's duration. However, because the drugs must be given early to be most effective, a correct diagnosis is critical.
The Exergen TemporalScanner™ gently and accurately measures body temperature in just two seconds by capturing the naturally emitted heat from skin with a gentle scan over the temporal artery, located on the forehead just below the skin, which is directly connected to the heart via the carotid artery. Over two dozen independent medical studies attest to its accuracy for people of all ages. Because using the Exergen TemporalScanner is less invasive than a tympanic (ear), rectal or oral thermometer, temperature can be taken while a person is asleep or even when a child is ill.
"Research proves that this is one of the most accurate ways to test for fever in all ages and it is clearly the least invasive," says Exergen Corporation President Francesco Pompei, Ph.D., who developed and patented the technology. "It makes taking a child's temperature as easy as possible, and because of its patented arterial heat balance technology, it also provides a better way to take a temperature for adults and senior citizens."
The Exergen TemporalScanner is better for the environment, as it uses infrared sensor technology rather than the mercury found in traditional glass bulb thermometers. Also it doesn't contribute to any extra waste, such as probe covers from tympanic thermometers, which are also less accurate at detecting temperature according to Harvard Medical School study.
While an accurate and user-friendly thermometer is essential to have on hand during the cold and flu season, it's important to stock the home with some other useful supplies. The following products can make a sick child or adult feel more comfortable and get better faster. As always, contact your doctor for advice.
* Fever reducer: Many doctors suggest a fever should generally be allowed to run its course, as it's the body's natural way of fighting foreign invaders, like bacteria and viruses. However, in the case of a very high fever and much discomfort, intermittent dosing with acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help. Never give a child or teenager aspirin.
* Fluids: Fever can cause dehydration due to the higher body temperatures causing a greater fluid loss than at normal temperatures. Also, vomiting and diarrhea can greatly contribute to dehydration. Therefore ample fluids are needed to replenish the fluids lost such as drinking water and juice, and especially chicken soup (your mother was right).
* Vapor rubs: It is no longer recommended to give many cold and flu products to children to alleviate congestion symptoms. Menthol vapor rubs can help open up air passages and ease coughing. A spoonful of honey for anyone over the age of one can also soothe the throat and calm coughs.
* Neti pot: This small device is used to clear out nasal passages with soothing warm water. Saline nasal sprays may also provide some relief.
* Humidifier: Doctors recommend steamy showers for helping to reduce congestion. Running a room humidifier can also combat dry air indoors and make breathing easier.
Cold and flu season is seldom fun, but with a few supplies and early diagnosis, individuals can be made more comfortable. For more information on the Exergen TemporalScanner, visit www.exergen.com.