A new survey from Harris Interactive shows that while the vast majority of Americans think it is important to know their temperature or that of a sick family member, very few respondents – less than ten percent – know what type of thermometer gives the most accurate reading.

A full 93 percent of respondents say knowing their own temperature or someone’s who is sick is either extremely important (66 percent) or somewhat important (27 percent).  However, the majority (65 percent) say they use an oral thermometer, whileonly 32 percent believe it to be the most accurate.

Mary Pappas, the New York school nurse credited with first alerting officials about the H1N1 outbreak in 2009, says people need to be educated when it comes to selecting the right thermometer.  “The most important consideration when choosing a thermometer is accuracy, but not all thermometers are created equal.”  Pappas continues, “There have been many advances in the types of thermometers available, and the one I find the most reliable and convenient is the temporal artery thermometer.”

According to 44 peer-reviewed studies, the temporal artery thermometerhas proven to be at least as accurate as all other thermometry methods commonly used in hospitals (excluding rectal, which is the standard for taking newborns’ temperatures).  However, only nine percentof all adults surveyed, and 13% of working mothers,know that temporal artery thermometers provide the most accurate temperature reading.

Pappas, who takes thousands of student temperatures every year, says the Exergen TemporalScanner is particularly useful during cold and flu season because it gives you an accurate temperature reading in just two seconds with a simple swipe of the forehead. Because it is non-invasive, a parent can even take a sleeping child’s temperature without waking him or her.

Exergen Thermometer was recently featured within a health segment on ABC 7. During the segment, Dr. Ellen Rome gave some guidelines for parents about when fevers could be key indicator that something is wrong in regards to a child’s age and when the parent should call the doctor. Exergen Temperal Thermometer was featured throughout the segment as the featured pediatrician’s thermometer of choice.

Below is a short clip of the segment.

Each year, millions of people suffer from a cold or flu and this year is likely to be no different. Between 15 and 61 million people in the United States will get the flu this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Temperature taking is a key indicator of flu patterns and should be taken seriously, says Mary Pappas, the New York area school nurse credited with first alerting officials about the H1N1 outbreak in 2009. “The flu usually comes with a fever while the common cold does not, so taking your temperature is the easiest way to tell the difference,” she says. A high or prolonged fever can be an indicator of when to seek medical attention, so it’s important to monitor your temperature on an ongoing basis when you are sick.

Pappas has been taking temperatures for nearly 30 years and, as a school nurse, takes as many as 50 per day. But whether it’s one temperature or 100, she maintains that the most important consideration is that it be accurate. While there are many types of thermometers available, Pappas favors the Exergen TemporalScanner because of its proven accuracy and ease-of-use; all it requires is a simple swipe across the forehead.

“Whether it’s a student at my school or a parent at home, I know taking a temperature can be a challenge, especially with young children who may be uncomfortable and fussy,” says Pappas. “What I love about the TemporalScanner is that it’s not invasive like an ear, rectal or oral thermometer. No matter what a student comes to see me for, I’m able to get an accurate reading. It’s so easy to use that you can take someone’s temperature even when they are sleeping and not disturb them.”

To help you prepare and cope throughout the cold and flu season, Pappas recommends the following school nurse-approved tips:

1. Wash your hands regularly for at least 20 seconds with soap and water to help prevent the spread of germs, or use hand sanitizer. Many public buildings provide hand sanitizer, so when you see it, use it.

2. Avoid sharing drinks or food with others unless you want to share their germs.

3. Frequently clean commonly touched areas like doorknobs and light switches.

4. Always cover your mouth with your elbow or sleeve when you cough or sneeze.

5. Throw away tissues immediately after use.

6. If you have a fever, monitor your temperature regularly and check with your doctor about taking a fever reducer and an anti-inflammatory like ibuprofen.

7. Get plenty of rest and stay hydrated.

8. Use a humidifier to add moisture to the air and help drain congestion.

9. Stay home from work or school if you are sick to avoid spreading germs and make sure your fever is gone for at least 24 hours before you return.

10. Consider speaking with your doctor about getting a flu shot. They are conveniently available in many physicians’ offices, pharmacies and public health centers.

Remember that while a cold is rarely serious, the flu can lead to additional complications, particularly in young children and the elderly. For more information on how to prepare for the cold and flu season, visit www.exergen.com/coldfluseason.

According to a recent survey, consumers think it’s important to monitor their temperature when they’re sick, but most don’t know what type of thermometer is the most accurate. Below is a short clip of Mary Pappas, the New York school nurse who alerted officials of a swine flu outbreak, reporting on her findings.

A Dennis Miller Show fan recently called in and shared a glowing recommendation of Exergen’s TemporalScanner. The Exergen Temporal Thermometer is designed to provide accurate temperatures by measuring the temperature of the skin’s surface over the temporal artery, located beneath the forehead. Below is a short clip of the recommendation:

Exergen’s Temporal Scanner was recently featured on Fox 45 – WBFF Baltimore during a holiday giveaway segment. Exergen’s Temporal Scanner is designed to provide accurate temperature readings with a gentle swipe of the forehead. Below is an excerpt from the segment:

The Three Boys and an Old Lady blog has posted its positive review of the Exergen TemporalScanner. The blogger explains how the scanner makes reading temperatures much easier than when she was growing up. The writer also includes this “innovative product” on her list of Baby Must Haves for 2011.

To read the complete review please visit: http://threeboysandanoldlady.blogspot.com/2011/12/exergen-temporal-scanner-review.html

The  Formula Mom blog has posted its positive review of the Exergen TemporalScanner on their site.  The blogger shares, “The Exergen Temporal Scanner has been a lifesaver for us and I’m glad to have one in my home!”  This site is also awarding one lucky reader the chance to win a scanner as part of its “Win Your Gifts Holiday Hop” contest.

To read the complete review and for giveaway details please visit: http://formulamom.com/review-exergen-temporal-scanner/

We are pleased to report that Mom’s Focus on Cyber World has posted the Exergen Virtual Temperature Challenge on their site. The blog site shares its positive review and all details and rules regarding Exergen’s sweepstakes.  The blogger shares,  “You get a peace of mind to check your kid’s temperature if he gets a bad flu this winter month.”

To read the complete feature visit: http://momsfocusonline.com/giveaway-exergen-temporalscanner%E2%84%A2-thermometer.html

Findings from a recent study published in the Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing support the use of the temporal artery (TA) thermometer as an acceptable alternative for noninvasive temperature monitoring in perioperative areas for adults undergoing elective surgery.  The study examined agreement between various temperature measurement methods during the perioperative period. Oral, axillary and temporal artery thermometers were assessed.

The study, conducted by Barringer et al (2011), was designed to determine the extent to which TA readings were consistent with oral and axillary readings obtained electronically by standard practice. The feasibility of replacing these methods with temporal artery thermometry was also examined.  Data were collected from 86 subjects, ages ranging from 18 to 86 years of age, who had temperatures taken pre- and postoperatively with oral, axillary and TA thermometers.

The temporal artery readings were taken with the Exergen TemporalScanner, which was found to record the fastest temperature readings in both pre- and postoperative instances when compared to oral and axillary methods.  Further, the results found the TA thermometer consistently provided accurate temperature readings on the first attempt, making it more cost-effective than other electronic methods.

“Complementary to other recent studies that prove the accuracy of temporal artery thermometry, the results of this study demonstrate the validity of TA methods for older patients in pre- and post-surgical settings,” said Francesco Pompei, Ph.D., CEO of Exergen Corporation. “We developed the patented TemporalScanner™ to provide consistent, quick and accurate readings in a noninvasive manner.  This research further shows the TemporalScanner exceeded both oral and axillary methods in each area of examination.”

Exergen markets two models of the TemporalScanner thermometer: a professional version for doctors’ offices and hospitals, and a consumer model sold in major retailers including Wal-Mart, Target, Walgreen’s, Rite Aid, Costco, Sam’s Club, Babies “R” Us, Toys “R” Us, Kroger, and BJ’s. More than 800 million temperatures are taken each year with the TemporalScanner. Used in thousands of hospitals, clinics, and pediatricians’ offices in the country as well as in millions of homes, it is also the only thermometer manufactured in the United States.  The performance of the Exergen TemporalScanner is supported by more than 40 peer-reviewed published studies covering all ages from preterm infants to geriatrics and all care areas from hospitals to homes.

Exergen Corporation is recognized worldwide as an innovator and leading manufacturer of patented infrared thermometers, scanners, sensors and controls. The company holds more than 60 U.S. patents for non-invasive temperature measurement devices. Its products are used in a wide variety of industrial and medical applications for both professionals and consumers. For additional information, visit www.exergen.com.