Interview with Dr. Tanya Altmann & Braun No Touch & Forehead Thermometer #Giveaway

 Do you know the difference between a cold and the flu? Or the best ways to keep sickness from spreading once a family member becomes ill? Pediatrician and mom Dr. Tanya Altmann  has tips to help prevent sickness this winter and even on what families should have in the medicine cabinet to help treat and relieve symptoms once they strike. Here are a few questions that Dr. Atlmann answered for our interview. 

What exactly is a fever?

The American Academy of Pediatrics states that a temperature reading of 100.4 degrees F or higher is generally considered a fever. This can still leave room for questions among parents, so I recommend my patients use thermometers with a temperature guidance system to help them better understand and diagnose a fever. The new Braun No touch + forehead thermometer has a color coded temperature guidance to help you understand the severity of your child’s fever. Depending on the reading, the color of the thermometer’s display will change to green, yellow or red. As a rule of thumb, any infant under 3 months of age with any temperature reading of 100.4 or higher should be evaluated by a medical professional. 

How should a parent manage their child’s temperature once they have come down with one?

When it comes to fevers, I’m often more concerned with the length of the fever than the severity of the temperature. I recommend parents take their child to the pediatrician if a fever lasts more than 3-4 days, the child looks very ill, is unusually lethargic, or has severe aches and pain as it could be a sign of something more serious than a common cold. This excludes newborns and infants; you should always consult your doctor immediately when dealing with a newborn or infant with a fever.

How does a No Touch thermometer measure temperature?

No touch thermometers measure energy radiated from the forehead above the temporal artery, a major artery of the head. The new Braun No touch + forehead thermometer captures twice as much of this energy to ensure you’re getting an accurate reading. Plus, you can also use the traditional touch option on the thermometer to double check your reading if you’re having doubts. I recommend it for parents who are looking to switch to a no touch thermometer but still have some reservations.

What is the difference between having a cold and having the flu?

Patients often come into the office saying they have the flu when really they just have a cold. The symptoms between a cold and flu are different and it’s important to recognize them so you can treat your illness effectively. The flu is much more severe than a cold and it tends to come on more quickly.  Cold symptoms are sore throat, runny nose, congestion, sneezing and coughing, while the flu usually produces high fever, chills, headaches, body aches and severe fatigue. If you think you or your child has the flu, call your pediatrician.

What is your most suggested prevention method for keeping out the flu?

I swear by some tried and true methods of prevention during cold & flu season. One that tops the list is washing hands. Parents should have their kids wash their hands every time they enter or leave the house and before any meal. Germs are everywhere and children will touch anything. Secondly, make sure everyone is getting enough sleep to help keep their immune system strong. 

My Thoughts 

As a mom of four children between two and thirteen, I think I've tried every type of thermometer there is. The Braun No Touch & Forehead Thermometer is by far my top choice, especially when dealing with toddlers or babies. All moms know it's next to impossible to get little ones to sit still long enough for us to hold a thermometer in their mouth or under their arm. I used to use the type that you place in their ear, but I found those were very inaccurate and painful for my son who often had ear infections. One time I almost ran to the emergency room because it told me my child had a 106 fever, but when I tried it again, it was only 99 degrees. Wild results like that were the norm with this type of unit.

The  No Touch & Forehead Thermometer is simple to use and very accurate. You simply hold it against their forehead or just above it. There is so discomfort, so there is no squirming. You can even use it while your child is sleeping without disturbing them. There are no annoying little plastic covers required and it works just as well on older children and adults as it does on babies.  The temperature is displayed on a large glowing screen that is easy to read, even in the dark, and comes up in different colors depending on the severity of the fever.   It runs using two AA batteries, and these are included in the package.  It provides quick and accurate results every time, and I'm very happy with it.

 

The Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a Braun No Touch & Forehead Thermometer. To enter just fill out the giveaway tools  form below. Open to the US only. Giveaway will end 2/25/15. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Braun for offering this fantastic prize.

Entry-Form