The worry that a pandemic would devastate the world isn’t new. It’s why the World Health Organization has worked with many countries. They’re trying to contain viruses like SARS. COVID-19 was the realization of their worst fears. It also caught the whole world unprepared. Scientists and medical professionals have been working non-stop for two years now. They’re looking for ways to get a handle on coronavirus. While the pandemic is still ongoing, we now have more information about the virus.
Knowledge about how the virus works has helped countries manage it. One way is to narrow down who might become infected with COVID. Businesses and many other facilities use non-contact infrared thermometers to measure body temperature. Wellness companies like Well Health Works also use it in their health programs. But many people are still on the fence about thermal thermometer scanners.
They say information is power. And this article will provide information on COVID and low body temperature.
What is COVID?
COVID-19 is one strain of the coronavirus (CoV). It’s part of a large family of viruses that cause respiratory illness. They cause everything from the common cold to the flu and the deadlier SARS virus.
There are two ways that COVID-19 is being transmitted – inhalation and close contact. The virus can spread from an infected person’s mouth or nose. A person with COVID can release the virus when they cough or sneeze. It also spreads when someone sick with the virus breathes or talks near you.
COVID is also spread through close contact. You can get infected if you touch or shake hands with someone who has the virus. This organism can transfer to your face or mouth if you don’t disinfect your hands.
It’s clear now that there are symptoms people should watch out for. People now know that they should watch out for
- Fever/ chills
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Tiredness
- Body aches/ headaches
- Congestion/ runny nose
- Sore throat
- Loss of smell or taste
What is the COVID Temperature Range?
Coronavirus can manifest anywhere from two days to two weeks after exposure. Fever is one of the first indications you might have the virus. The elevated temperature means your body is fighting off an infection. It could be COVID or something else.
Normal body temperature is reportedly around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit. A temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit is a fever. This is according to medical professionals. Those numbers can still go up.
How high your COVID temp is can show how serious the infection is. Research has classified COVID-19 symptoms into three levels – mild, moderate, and severe. Doctors consider a low-grade fever part of the mild symptoms. This is often around 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Someone with a moderate case of COVID will have a temperature range of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit. Patients with temperatures higher are often considered severe cases. But the other symptoms must be present.
Screening for COVID Temperature
Temperature checks are vital since fever is one of the main symptoms of COVID. It’s why almost every shop and offices have a body temperature scanner on the premises. Consumers and workers are now checked before they can enter a building or store.
There are different kinds of thermal scanners used today. Thermal guns and IR cameras are the most popular ones. Some companies use a standing body temperature sensor for ease and convenience.
These scanners use infrared sensors to check for elevated temperatures. You can do this process from a distance. The right IR camera and system can even measure the body temperatures of several people. And they do it all at once. You can see this method and equipment used in places like airports.
Thermal scanning devices measure the temperature of the skin. It’s one way of checking for fever. Most have a screen that will show the temperature in seconds. A notification is then triggered if someone has an elevated temperature. This immediacy allows the facility or company to take further action. Steps are then taken to ensure everyone’s safety. The said individual is often asked to undergo further testing. They’re also not allowed to enter the premises.
Why Use Automated Temperature Screening
Many individuals and companies prefer using an automatic temperature scanner. Here’s why:
- You don’t have to worry about physical contact. IR imaging systems don’t need contact to use. There are scanners that activate when a person goes near it. You don’t need an operator so you save money and can be in another area watching the process.
- You know the results fast. These sensors have a better and faster response time. The traditional glass thermometers have nothing on them. You can get the scan results in seconds.
- You’re guaranteed accurate results. An IR scanner can give you an exact temperature reading. You won’t need to double-check the results. But it’s a protocol to get several readings when you have elevated temperature. People in quarantine have their temperature taken several times a day. It’s to determine if the fever is going up or subsiding.
- It’s affordable. Automated scanners don’t need an operator. The system can run on its own. At most, an employee is there to double-check that the scanner is working well.
Getting a Handle on COVID
There’s more information now about COVID and the best way to manage it. You can see this knowledge put to good use by Well Health Works. We are one of the country’s best wellness solutions companies. We know how important it is to ensure the safety and health of your employees. It’s why we design wellness solutions for every aspect of your life. Our services include health and biometric screenings. We also give flu shots and do COVID-19 employee testing. You can call us at 833-935-9355 or drop us a line at info@wellhealthworks.com.
