I'm an LPN and work in a facility for disabled adults. Most or all of them are non-verbal or limited in speech capabilities and so are unable to voice how they feel. We've gotten pretty good at spotting fevers by yes, using the back of our hand to the forhead, watching for flushed cheeks or red ears...and we are dead to rights most of the time. Another feature we watch is the eyes, because that's almost the first sign one of our people don't feel well...the sparkle is lacking from the eyes. (I could never figure out how my grandma knew we were sick by looking into our eyes until I had kids of my own...and by working with the special needs people I care for now.) Yeah, we do rely on 'gut feelings'.