3 Common Mistakes Parents Make When Their Child Has High Fever

Dr. Sandip Gupta

This video explains 3 mistakes parents often make when a child has high fever, and what should be done instead. Mistake 1 — Doing the patti (wet cloth sponging) wrong. Parents usually put the patti only on the child's forehead, but it should be done on the whole body — chest, stomach, back, and arms and legs as well. Sponging releases the child's heat, so doing it over the whole body releases heat more easily and the child feels comfortable and gets relief from the fever's heat. A second mistake within this is using cold or chilled water for the patti — this is wrong. The patti should always be done with normal temperature water or lukewarm water, because cold water increases the chances of the child getting shivering (kapkapi). Mistake 2 — Not giving paracetamol. Parents often think they should not give fever medicine because the child has not eaten. This is wrong. Paracetamol, which comes under names like Calpol, Crocin or Dolo, can be given to the child even on an empty stomach. Do not wait for the child to eat — give the medicine first; once the fever comes down, the child will eat on their own. Mistake 3 — Putting too many clothes on the child. This prevents heat release and makes the child uncomfortable. Children should always be dressed in light clothes during fever. The exception: if the child is shivering or having chills, at that time the child should be covered with a blanket or clothes. Relevant for: parents whose child has high fever (tez bukhar) and want to know the correct way to do patti/sponging; parents asking whether to use cold or lukewarm water for fever; parents unsure whether paracetamol (Calpol, Crocin, Dolo) can be given on an empty stomach or if the child has not eaten; parents confused about how much clothing or covering to use during fever; and parents dealing with shivering or chills in a child with fever. A detailed video on fever is also available — comment "fever" in the comment section to receive it. Disclaimer: This video is for general information and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Every child is different — please consult your pediatrician for the correct medicine and dose for your child, and seek immediate medical attention if the fever is very high, persists, or the child appears unwell.