Turn on the thermometer.
Gently sweep the thermometer across the client’s forehead.
Remove the thermometer and read the number:
Fever: Any temperature 100.4 F or greater is considered a fever.
No fever: People with temperatures at or below 100.3 F may continue into the shelter using
normal procedures.
Clean the thermometer with an alcohol wipe (or isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab) between each client. You can reuse the same wipe as long as it remains wet.
Temperature measurement can be one part of the assessment to determine if a person has an elevated temperature potentially caused by a COVID-19 infection. One method to measure a person's surface temperature is the use of "no-touch" or non-contact temperature assessment devices, such as thermal imaging systems (also known as thermal imaging cameras or infrared telethermographic systems) or non-contact infrared thermometers. The use of other temperature assessment devices, such as oral thermometers, requires physical contact which may increase the risk of spreading infection.
The use of other temperature assessment devices, such as oral thermometers, requires physical contact which may increase the risk of spreading infection.
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.
Symptoms usually appear 2 to 6 days after exposure to the virus. However, it sometimes takes longer — up to 14 days
Other symptoms can include sore throat, nasal congestion, fatigue, myalgia or muscle aches, and headache – many of which are similar to cold and flu symptoms. People with COVID-19 might also experience gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
If you have milder symptoms like a fever, shortness of breath, or coughing: Stay home unless you need medical care. If you do need to go in, call your doctor or hospital first for guidance. Tell your doctor about your illness.
Most people feel better within two or three weeks of COVID-19 infection. Once it's been 10 days since coronavirus symptoms first appeared and you don't have symptoms anymore, the CDC suggests most people are no longer able to infect others and may end isolation.
In terms of specifics: acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) can help lower your fever, assuming you don't have a health history that should prevent you from using them. It's usually not necessary to lower a fever – an elevated temperature is meant to help your body fight off the virus.
If your test is positive and you have COVID-19 symptoms, you should isolate yourself until you meet all these criteria: It's been at least 10 days since your symptoms began. Your symptoms have improved. You haven't had a fever for at least 24 hours, without using any fever-reducing medication.