IT IS a common practice to take a cold shower or place a cold compress on the head to help bring down a fever by reducing body temperature.
Since this may provide temporary relief, does it actually help break a fever?
Verdict:
FALSE
While it is true that a cold shower or compress on the head may temporarily lower the temperature in that specific area, it will not necessarily bring down a fever throughout the body.
In fact, sudden exposure to cold temperatures can cause the blood vessels in the skin to constrict, which can actually raise the internal body temperature as the body tries to compensate.
A hot shower while having a fever is also not advisable.
The best course of action is to not cover the patient up, have them wear light clothing, air out the room, and increase the amount of liquids they drink to prevent dehydration.
Other methods that should be avoided when trying to break a fever are over-medicating and overlooking product labels.
A fever can be concerning at any age, and a high fever can be particularly scary.
You may be unsure if it is time to get emergency medical attention or if it is all right to wait and see how things progress, but in the end the rules vary by a patient's age group
If you are concerned about a fever or other symptoms, always err on the side of caution and either call a doctor, or visit the nearest urgent care centre/emergency room.
References:
1. https://www.healthline.com/
2. https://www.verywellhealth.
3. https://kingwooder.com/hot-or-
4. https://www.mayoclinic.org/
