Blanket, hot tea, vinegar: the doctor debunked the most popular myths about how to bring down the temperature

About whether to wrap up in a blanket with chills and whether it is permissible to drink hot tea at elevated temperatures, said Yuri Kotov - senior lecturer of the Department of General Medical Practice with a course of geriatrics and palliative medicine BSMU. His comment was made on the air of the project “It’s healthy to be” on the TV channel “Belarus 1”.

Why is it dangerous to roll in a blanket

According to senior teacher of BSMU Yuri Kotov, when a person with chills tightly wrapped in a blanket, he risks provoking overheating. The blanket prevents the natural loss of heat, which means that the accumulated heat remains in the body and continues to heat the internal organs. Although the patient subjectively seems to be cold, in fact, the body temperature is already elevated. The consequences of such "warming" can be serious: a further increase in temperature, increased pulse (tachycardia), shortness of breath and the general negative effect of hyperthermia on the body.

As the doctor noted, it is important to find a balance: to prevent overheating, but at the same time try to reduce the discomfort of chills.

The danger of “folk” methods: bath and wiping

Yuri Kotov cautions against using a number of common methods of dealing with temperature. In particular, visiting a bath or steam room at temperatures above 38.5 ° C is fraught with heat stroke and serious health consequences.

No less risky specialist considers rubbing with vinegar or alcohol: these methods have no scientific basis, and they can cause harm. As a safer alternative, the doctor suggests using body temperature water: when it evaporates, the skin naturally cools.

Hot tea: when it is useful and when it is not

According to the doctor, hot tea can really be useful if a person is overcooled. However, at the already existing high temperature, hot drinking can further increase body temperature, increasing the heating of the body.

What to expect from antipyretics and how to properly treat

The doctor emphasizes: the purpose of taking antipyretics is not necessarily to return the temperature to 36.6 ° C. Yuri Kotov explained that a decrease in temperature by 1-1.5 ° C is already a good result. The main thing during the illness is to give the body the opportunity to recover, follow medical recommendations and not count on a quick recovery: it is almost impossible to fully recover in one day.

Practical recommendations for the disease

To facilitate the condition and support the body, the specialist advises to adhere to the following rules:

• observe bed rest;

• drink enough fluids;

monitor the humidity in the room and regularly ventilate the room;

• wear lightweight, non-constraining clothing;

• use safe physical cooling methods if necessary.

Read also:

1. 1.Top 5 Warming Winter Teas and Drinks: Recipes for Cold November Evenings
2. 2.Cold shield: top 5 available products to strengthen immunity in autumn in Belarus

Photo: Pixabay / is illustrative