Pooja Devi Pooja Devi Asked 10 months ago

Do ice packs help with fever?

My child has a mild fever tonight and my mother-in-law suggested applying ice packs to his forehead. I'm a bit hesitant as I always thought only cold compresses are good. Do ice packs really help in bringing down a fever in kids or adults?

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8 answers

Rohan Joshi Rohan Joshi Joined Feb 2026 9 months ago
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When my kid had a fever last week, I was up all night trying to figure this out. Direct ice packs are too harsh and can make them shiver, which actually raises the body temperature. Stick to normal tap water damp cloths, it's much safer.

Meera Krishnan Meera Krishnan Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Please do not use extreme cold ice packs as they can cause a sudden shock to the body. Luke-warm or room-temperature water sponging is much safer to bring down a high fever. If the temperature doesn't decrease, consult a doctor immediately.

Arjun Malhotra Arjun Malhotra Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Avoid direct ice packs during a fever because your body's thermoregulation will fight back and increase shivering. Hydrate well with electrolytes, rest up, and use room temperature water wipes. Let your immune system do its job.

Kamla Devi Kamla Devi Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

For generations, we have used simple cotton strips dipped in normal tap water on the forehead. Ice packs are too cold and uncomfortable, especially for children. Keep them hydrated with warm water and use normal wet sponging.

Suresh Nair Suresh Nair Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

Agree with the advice here. Direct ice packs cause shivering which increases core temperature. Normal water sponging is the right way.

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Consult a internal medicine specialist

Amit Sharma Amit Sharma Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Haan yaar, baraf ka pack mat lagao, bahut zyada thanda ho jata hai. Normal paani ki patti rakho sir pe, woh sabse best hai na. Usse body temperature dheere dheere normal aata hai.

Sneha Shah Sneha Shah Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

When I am down with a fever, all I want is warm soup, not freezing ice on my head. Skip the ice packs as they make you shiver. Stick to a simple damp cloth with regular tap water and some light, comforting food.

Sanjay Bose Sanjay Bose Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Putting direct ice on the head is like jumping into a freezing lake when you already have chills! Normal tap water sponging on the forehead and armpits is more than enough. Leave the ice in the freezer for juices instead.

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