During the peak of the “flu” outbreak, it’s common for an entire family to get infected, resulting in a collective fever. Among family members, there are key groups such as children, pregnant women, middle-aged individuals with chronic diseases, and the elderly undergoing regular hemodialysis. Each of these groups requires specific cooling and care methods. Based on years of front-line medical experience, we’ve summarized appropriate physical cooling measures for different fever patients within a family setting, along with precautions for cooling different groups.
Don’t Panic, Act Wisely
For children of different ages, the treatment of fever varies. Infants under three months old with fever should be taken to the hospital immediately. Avoid using physical cooling methods casually. For children over three months, the decision to use physical cooling depends on their condition. When the body temperature starts to rise and the child experiences chills, cold hands and feet, even if the temperature exceeds 38.5℃, physical cooling may not be appropriate. Also, if the indoor environment doesn’t meet the requirements (e.g., the temperature is not 22℃ or the ventilation is poor), physical cooling may not be advisable.
If the child is sleeping quietly, placing a non-dripping cool towel on the forehead first is a good choice, and cooling can be carried out after the child wakes up. Utilizing the environment for cooling, such as adjusting the indoor temperature and humidity, using appropriate quilts, and ensuring good ventilation, is a cooling method suitable for all age groups. For children under 3 years old, physical cooling methods include using an ice cap on the head, applying cold compresses to the forehead, and sponge baths with warm water.
Most hemodialysis patients have kidney diseases, characterized by swollen hands and feet, slow peripheral circulation, anemia, blood coagulation disorders, and malnutrition. They are generally sensitive to cold, so physical cooling methods like using ice packs and warm water sponge baths are not recommended. Adjusting the indoor temperature, reducing the number of clothes, and ventilating while changing to thin quilts are more suitable cooling methods for them.
Common Misunderstandings about Cooling
Relying Solely on Physical Cooling
Many people wrongly believe that when they have a fever, they should first choose physical cooling instead of taking antipyretics, thinking that medicine has side effects. In fact, physical cooling can only temporarily lower the skin temperature. The source of heat is inside the body, and once physical cooling stops, the temperature will rise quickly. To prevent complications like febrile convulsions in children, fetal hypoxia malformations, and mastitis during lactation, if the axillary or frontal temperature exceeds 38.5℃, it is recommended to use antipyretics. Pregnant women, lactating mothers, and hemodialysis patients should follow the advice of specialist doctors when choosing antipyretics.
Hot Baths and Hot Springs for Cooling
Some people think that taking a hot bath or soaking in a hot spring can help cool down. In fact, these are heat therapy methods that can further increase body temperature, consuming more energy and weakening the immune system’s ability to fight the virus. Moreover, in hot spring venues, the warm and humid environment is a breeding ground for virus spread, so this perception of using hot baths and hot springs for cooling is incorrect.
Incorrect Use of Ice Packs
Placing ice packs on the occipital region or beside the ears is not advisable as the subcutaneous tissue in these areas is thin and prone to frostbite or pressure sores. Similarly, using ice packs on the soles of the feet is not suitable. The soles are rich in peripheral nerves and blood vessels, and using cold can cause peripheral blood vessels to constrict, making the body uncomfortable and potentially causing coronary artery constriction in the heart.
Incorrect Sponge Bathing
When having a fever, the skin is dry and congested. Rubbing the skin back and forth during a warm water sponge bath, especially in areas like the armpits and groin, can damage the skin barrier, destroy hair follicles and sebaceous glands, accelerate skin aging, and increase the risk of infection. The correct way is to gently pat the skin instead of rubbing it repeatedly.
During the flu season, home care is a combination of medical knowledge and patience. The physiological characteristics of different groups determine the personalized choice of cooling methods. Whether it’s using warm water for children, gentle sponge baths for pregnant women, environmental regulation for dialysis patients, or being aware of the taboos for patients with chronic diseases, every step requires careful consideration. Doctors remind that physical cooling, as an auxiliary measure, cannot replace drug treatment.
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