Can you cover with a blanket when having a high fever of 39°C in summer?
Sep 20, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
High fever generally refers to hyperthermia. If a patient has a high fever accompanied by symptoms such as chills or shivering, it may be appropriate to cover with a light blanket to avoid feeling cold due to excessive heat loss, while still allowing normal body heat dissipation. However, if the high fever is caused by wind-heat stimulation, covering with a blanket may reduce heat exchange between the skin and the surrounding environment, impairing the body's ability to release heat and potentially causing the body temperature to rise further.
High fever generally refers to hyperthermia. Whether a person with a high fever of 39°C in summer should cover themselves with a blanket depends on the specific underlying cause. The details are as follows:
If the patient has high fever accompanied by symptoms such as chills or shivering, it is acceptable to use a light blanket to prevent excessive heat loss and feelings of cold, while still allowing normal body heat dissipation. During the process of fever reduction, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration caused by sweating.
If the high fever is due to wind-heat stimulation, covering with a blanket is not recommended. Doing so may reduce heat exchange between the skin and the surrounding environment, impairing the body's ability to dissipate heat and potentially causing body temperature to rise further. In severe cases, this could worsen the condition and cause certain physical harm. It is advisable to use physical cooling methods such as applying warm, damp towels or fever-reducing patches to alleviate fever symptoms. If body temperature continues to rise, medications such as acetaminophen tablets, ibuprofen tablets, or nimesulide tablets should be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
High fever may also be related to bacterial or viral infections and other factors. Persistent high fever requires timely medical attention for targeted treatment. During treatment, maintaining regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and enhancing immune function can promote recovery.
