Should You Cover a Feverish Child with a Thick Blanket to Sweat?

Question

After a child has a fever, the elders at home suggest covering them with more blankets to induce sweating. Is this approach feasible? They believe that sweating can help expel heat, but is this notion based on any evidence?

Answer

Many elders believe that when a child has a fever, the “cover with a thick blanket to induce sweating” method should be used to quickly bring down the fever. However, in reality, this approach may cause the child’s body temperature to rise instead of drop, and could even trigger a high fever seizure. The correct approach is to reduce the child’s clothing and blankets to promote heat dissipation. If the child’s temperature is below 38°C, you can use warm water to wipe the body to help bring down the fever, as the evaporation of moisture can remove a significant amount of heat. Additionally, you can use ice packs to lower the child’s head temperature to alleviate headaches and protect brain cells. If the child continues to have a fever, seek medical attention immediately.