Returning to work, venturing into shops and being able to go to more places as the coronavirus rules are relaxed, being asked to have your temperature taken before entering such places may become the norm.
But how does this work for those affected by ED?
As this is such a worrying time, be vigilant regarding temperature, the following charts shows temperature ranges at different ages.
Type of reading | 0–2 years | 3–10 years | 11–65 years | Over 65 years |
Oral | 95.9–99.5°F (35.5–37.5°C) | 95.9–99.5°F (35.5–37.5°C) | 97.6–99.6°F (36.4–37.6°C) | 96.4–98.5°F (35.8–36.9°C) |
Rectal | 97.9–100.4°F (36.6–38°C) | 97.9–100.4°F (36.6–38°C) | 98.6–100.6°F (37.0–38.1°C) | 97.1–99.2°F (36.2–37.3°C) |
Armpit | 94.5–99.1°F (34.7–37.3°C) | 96.6–98.0°F (35.9–36.7°C) | 95.3–98.4°F (35.2–36.9°C) | 96.0–97.4°F (35.6–36.3°C) |
Ear | 97.5–100.4°F (36.4–38°C) | 97.0–100.0°F (36.1–37.8°C) | 96.6–99.7°F (35.9–37.6°C) | 96.4–99.5°F (35.8–37.5°C) |
The most accurate means of taking your temperature are ear, rectal and temporal.
Individuals affected by ED can have a wider range, sometimes as low as 35°C at any age. It is therefore important to know the normal average temperature of an individual affected by ED in order to know the level of increase. Therefore, a “normal” temperature of 36°C that rises to 38° is a potentially dangerous level.
Many people affected by ED can naturally have a higher core temperature, which when slightly overheating may cause difficulties for you with your work, or visiting any of the above.
We suggest you take your temperature every morning and evening, before eating or drinking, at the same time for 2 weeks to get the results of your core temp.
If you feel this is going to become a problem with your employer, you can use the below letter to help assist you and explain your temperature issues with them, and that your temperature is likely due to your condition and not a symptom of Covid-19.
High Risk with Coronavirus and Ectodermal Dysplasia – letter