Is it a Cold or the Flu?

The Flu Almost Always Brings a Fever, According to Exergen

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza-like illness activity is now widespread in 48 states, making this the worst flu season since 2003. From 2010  to 2019, the annual death rate from the flu has increased from approximately 12,000 deaths per year in 2011-2012 to 2018-2019.

As cold and flu season continues, Exergen Corporation, the maker of the TemporalScanner thermometer, is educating people on how to tell the difference between the cold and the flu. While cold and flu symptoms are typically the same – sore throat, runny nose, fatigue – only the flu is accompanied by a fever.

“Since fever is really the only way to detect the flu, it’s important to have a reliable thermometer on hand that will fast and accurate reading’” said Francesco Pompei, Ph.D. CEO of Exergen Corporation. “While flu vaccination is recommended by the CDC, it is not 100percent effective – often less than 50 percent – so vigilance is important even if you have received a flu vaccine.”

The CDC advises those whose concerns to contact their physician before going to the ER or a hospital. This may protect someone who doesn’t have the flu and prevent the spread from those who do. It is important to monitor symptoms, especially fever on an ongoing basis.

 For information on what to do if cold or flu symptoms arise visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/ Exergen is created an educational video on how to take your temperature correctly which can be viewed by visiting https://www.exergen.com/.

About Exergen Corporation

Exergen manufactures and markets two series of the TemporalScanner thermometer:  a professional version for hospitals and clinics, and a consumer version sold in major retailers nationwide. More than two billion temperatures are taken each year with Temporal scanners. Used in thousands of hospitals and clinics across the country, as well as millions of homes, the TemporalScanner is of the number one preference of pediatricians, number one preference of nurses and the number one selling retail thermometer.

The Exergen TemporalScanner accuracy is supported by more than 80 peer-reviewed published studies covering all ages from preterm infants to geriatrics and all care areas from hospitals to homes. For additional information visit https://www.exergen.com/.