Is a body temperature of 37.4°C measured by an ear thermometer considered a fever?

　　Fever refers to an elevated body temperature. Generally, a temperature of 37.4°C measured by an ear thermometer does not indicate a fever. However, the measurement results of ear thermometers may be affected by various factors. It is recommended to take multiple measurements or use other temperature measurement methods to determine whether there is a fever.

　　The normal body temperature range measured by an ear thermometer is 35.8°C to 38°C. A reading of 37.4°C falls within the normal range. Ear thermometers detect the thermal radiation emitted by an object via a sensor to determine its temperature. This method is very fast and suitable for bedridden elderly individuals who are often ill, as well as for crying or sleeping children. However, to ensure accuracy when using an ear thermometer, the probe should be inserted as deeply as possible into the entrance of the external ear canal, and it should be aimed directly at the eardrum to detect the infrared radiation emitted by the eardrum.

　　Since ear thermometers measure the temperature of the eardrum, which reflects core body temperature, the readings are generally slightly higher than those obtained with other types of thermometers. For example, they may read about 0.5°C higher than temperatures measured under the armpit. It is recommended to measure the temperature in both ear canals during measurement and use the higher reading as the reference.

　　It is recommended to take multiple measurements with an ear thermometer and calculate the average value, which can reduce errors to some extent and more accurately reflect the body's actual temperature.