Warning over ‘dangerous’ method most use to reduce a child’s fever after mum’s ‘mistake’ almost cost her son’s life
WHEN your child has a fever, reaching for a cold flannel might seem like an obvious fix.
However, doctors generally advise against it, as it can sometimes make the fever worse or trigger serious complications.
“If a child is suddenly cooled too rapidly, particularly if they already have a high fever, this can sometimes lead to a rapid shift in body temperature,” Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, told Sun Health.
“In rare cases, this can increase the risk of a febrile seizure – especially in young children who are already susceptible.”
And although these types of seizures are generally brief and not harmful in the long term, they can be very frightening for parents.
“It’s much safer to reduce temperature gently and gradually,” she added.
The warning comes after Dr Christabel Akinola shared a tale on Instagram about a mum who sponged her child with cold water from the fridge when she noticed he was burning up.
The parent tried to cool down his chest, back, neck and head, the doctor explained in a social media post.
The boy then shivered violently and stopped moving – he was then rushed to hospital.
“Do you know that you should not use cold water for tepid sponging during a fever?” Dr Akinola, said.
She said the sudden temperature contrast “can trigger a seizure or even collapse the cardiovascular system”.
This is because applying something cold to the skin causes the blood vessels near the surface to constrict, in a process called vasoconstriction, Dr Suzanne explained.
“This response reduces heat loss through the skin and can trap heat deeper in the body, potentially making the fever worse,” she said.
This level of stress on the body can also impact the heart, Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician and head of Dr Frank’s Clinic, added.
He told Sun Health: “In extreme cases, especially if a large part of the body is suddenly cooled, this can put immense strain on the cardiovascular system.
“The body’s response to sudden cold exposure is to preserve heat around vital organs like the brain, heart, and lungs.”
Cooling the skin too quickly also pulls blood away from the heart, he said.
“This can cause dangerous instability, including shock, hypothermia, and even cardiovascular collapse,” he added.
Rapid cooling can also “confuse the body’s thermal regulation system,” the professor warned.
“This can lead to a cascade of problems — including reduced blood supply to critical organs — which can, in extreme cases, be fatal.”
Young children are particularly vulnerable, he explained, as “their bodies are less able to regulate sudden changes in temperature”.
Instead of using a flannel, the best thing you can do for a child suffering from a fever is to keep them cool, not cold.
“Dress them in light clothing,” Prof Franklin said.
“Keep the room at a moderate temperature, and ensure they’re well hydrated,” he added.
“You can also give age-appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen to help bring the fever down.”
Let a fever run
That said, it is sometimes important to let a fever run its course.
“Fever is a natural and important part of the body’s immune response,” Prof Franklin said.
“When the body detects an infection, it raises its internal temperature because many bacteria and viruses cannot survive at higher temperatures,” he added.
“In other words, the fever is a defence mechanism, helping the body fight off infection more effectively.
“Automatically suppressing every fever can sometimes prolong illness by interfering with this natural response.”
When to call for help
According to the NHS, parents should seek medical attention if their child is under three months old with a temperature over 38°C – or if the fever lasts more than five days.
“Other red flags include difficulty breathing, a rash that doesn’t fade under pressure, seizures, unusual drowsiness, persistent vomiting,” Prof Franklin said.
“Also look out for signs of dehydration such as a dry mouth and no wet nappies.
“If in doubt, trust your instincts and speak to a doctor.”
What causes a fever?
A fever is usually a sign that the body is fighting an infection
When your body detects an infection, like a virus or bacteria, it triggers the immune system to release chemicals called pyrogens.
These chemicals signal the brain to raise the body’s temperature.
This higher temperature helps fight off infections by making it harder for the germs to survive and by boosting the immune system.
Common causes of fever include:
- Viral infections (like the flu or cold)
- Bacterial infections (like a urinary tract infection or pneumonia)
- Inflammatory conditions (such as arthritis)
- Heat exhaustion (from being in a very hot environment)
In most cases, a fever is a temporary condition that goes away once the infection or underlying cause is treated.
Source: NHS