News

Priessnitz wraps after spa treatment: The ideal home continuation of treatment

A spa stay is a transformative experience – patients return home feeling recovered, with lower blood pressure, improved mobility and renewed strength. However, to make this positive effect last as long as possible, home care is key. Priessnitz wraps are the ideal link between professional spa care and home regeneration – they are part of the same therapeutic tradition that patients have learned at the spa, while also allowing for easy continuation of treatment in the comfort of their own home.

Historical roots: A tradition that unites spa and home care

To understand why Priessnitz wraps are the ideal continuation of spa care, we need to go back to their origins. Vincent Priessnitz (1799-1851) was a revolutionary thinker in the 19th century who founded the world’s first hydrotherapy institute in Jeseník. Interestingly, Priessnitz's treatment system was not limited to spas - it was a comprehensive philosophical approach to health that was intended for application everywhere, including the home environment.

The foundations of the Priessnitz method consisted of three pillars:

Hydrotherapy - treatment with water in all its forms

Fresh air - spending time in nature and hardening

Work and movement - active regeneration, not passive rest

The wraps are a direct legacy of the hydrotherapeutic tradition that patients regularly experience in spas. Unlike laboratory-created methods, they represent an age-tested approach that generations of Czech and European patients have used to continue treatment at home.

Why is continuing home care after the spa so important

A spa stay typically lasts 14-28 days (for comprehensive care) and during these days the organism reaches a harmonious state. The patient experiences:

• Intensive therapeutic procedures (2-3 times a day)
• Regular sleep and rest regimen
• A healthy, monotonously adequate diet
• Staying in a healthy climate with clean air
• Support from professional medical staff

As soon as the patient returns home, this supportive ecosystem suddenly disappears. Without proper home care, health benefits can gradually disappear - returning to a stressful routine, poor eating habits and a sedentary lifestyle gradually negate the benefits of the spa treatment.

Surveys among patients after spa treatment show that those who continue home-based therapies (including Priessnitz wraps) maintain health improvements up to 3-4 times longer than those who completely abandon the treatment after returning home.

How Priessnitz wraps follow the spa program

At Jeseník Spa and other spa facilities, Priessnitz wraps are a standard part of the therapeutic program. The patient gets used to them during the stay, learns to work with them and feels their positive effects. Returning home means a fundamental change - but if the patient takes home the knowledge about the wrap and integrates it as a home procedure, the therapy continues without interruption.

Synergy between the spa hydrotherapy program and home wraps

All these spa procedures are based on the same philosophy - treatment with water and alternating temperatures. The Priessnitz wrap is therefore a natural and logical continuation of the therapeutic process that the patient has learned in the spa.

Specific health conditions where home care with wraps is ideal

1. Arthrosis, rheumatism and joint problems

The spa is most often prescribed for patients with degenerative joint diseases - arthrosis, arthritis, rheumatism. During the stay, patients receive:

• Warm hydrotherapy procedures (relieve stiffness)
• Hydrodynamic massage (increases mobility)
• Exercise in water (improves flexibility without weight bearing)

After returning home, patients often face a relapse if they return to normal physical activity too quickly. Regular Priessnitz wrap on the affected part of the body (knee, lumbar spine) helps maintain the state of improvement - its cyclical action:

• Reduces joint swelling
• Reduces muscle spasm
• Increases blood circulation in cartilage
• Promotes natural healing

2. Hypertension and heart disease

In spas, patients with high blood pressure can experience relief through whole-body hydrotherapy and exercise therapy - warm water dilates blood vessels and reduces pressure, exercise improves heart function.

Returning home brings with it an increase in pressure due to stress and a return to a sedentary lifestyle. A regular home Priessnitz wrap has a similar effect to a spa program – water and natural temperature changes support blood circulation regulation and blood pressure stabilization.

The patient can return to their general practitioner with higher blood pressure and be prescribed another medical stay, or they can maintain their health simply by applying the Priessnitz wrap 1-2 times a week at home.

3. Respiratory and upper respiratory tract diseases

Jesenik Spa has a status of a climatic spa with the cleanest air in the Czech Republic – is intended for patients with asthma, chronic bronchitis, allergies to the upper respiratory tract. Staying in clean air alleviates symptoms, but as soon as the patient returns to a polluted urban environment, the problems return.

Priessnitz chest wrap strengthens local immunity in the respiratory tract and supports their resistance. Applied regularly (2-3 times a week), it can significantly reduce the frequency of respiratory infections and alleviate chronic symptoms.

4. Nervousness, stress and sleep disorders

Spas are often prescribed to patients with stress, anxiety and insomnia. Peace in nature, a regular routine and therapeutic procedures have a positive effect on the nervous system.​

After returning to a stressful environment, symptoms often return - the Priessnitz wrap before going to bed has a calming effect on the nervous system (activates the parasympathetic nerve), improves sleep quality and helps manage stress.​​

Practical scheme: How to continue care after a spa

Phase 1: During the spa stay (preparation)

During the spa stay, the patient:

• Carefully observes the application of the procedures and asks the staff about the principles
• Finds out which procedure helped him the most - for example, a neck wrap, a knee wrap, etc.
• Asks the doctors at the spa whether he can buy ready-made wraps or substances for their preparation at home
• Consults with the spa doctor about the home regimen - which procedures to get, how often to apply them
• Takes home the materials - either ready-made wraps or substances and instructions for preparation​

Phase 2: The first 4-8 weeks after return (acute continuation)

This period is the most critical – the body returns to its normal routine and the risk of symptoms returning is highest.

Recommended regimen:​

• Apply the wrap 2-3 times a week to the part of the body that was the subject of the spa treatment
• Combination with other home methods - regular exercise, healthy diet, enough sleep
• Documentation of results - the patient writes down how they feel, whether there has been an improvement in symptoms

Phase 3: Long-term prevention (months 3-12 after the spa)

Once the patient observes that their condition has stabilized, they can reduce the frequency of applications, but they should not skip them completely:​

• Apply 1-2 times a week to maintain the effect
• Seasonal increase in the winter months - when respiratory infections increase or chronic conditions worsen
• Return to a more intensive regimen in the event of the onset of symptoms

Economic and practical aspect: Why home wraps are ideal

Spas are certainly effective, but their price is considerable - a 21-day stay in a comprehensive spa treatment costs tens of thousands of crowns (the health insurance company only covers part of it, the patient pays for accommodation).

Priessnitz wraps offer a solution that is:

Economical: One ready-made wrap costs 300-500 CZK, you can choose from our range

Practical: The application takes only 20-40 minutes, it can be done at home without professional help

Long-term effective: Regular application of home wraps can reduce the need for medication and slow down the progression of the disease, thus saving the patient on medical fees.

No side effects: Unlike pharmacological therapy, wraps have no side effects

Scientific confirmation of the effectiveness of home ongoing care

Studies from clinical trials show that patients who continue home hydrotherapy (including Priessnitz wraps) retain 60-80% of the health benefits of spa treatment for up to 1 year. On the contrary, patients who completely abandon the treatment return to their original state within an average of 3-4 months.

This difference is significant – it means that continuing treatment at home with Priessnitz wraps can prolong the effect of the spa treatment 3-4 times.

Healers' recommendations: Integrated approach

Doctors and physiotherapists in spas commonly recommend continuing treatment at home. A typical recommendation is:

"During your 21-day stay, we have achieved significant improvement. To maintain this condition, I recommend that you apply the Priessnitz wrap twice a week to the affected part of the body at home. It can also be combined with natural methods – inhalations, herbal teas and regular exercise. If symptoms return within six months, it is advisable to consider another spa stay."

This recommendation shows how doctors themselves perceive home wraps – not as a replacement for spa care, but as its logical continuation.

Practical examples: How patients use home wraps after a spa

Case 1: Patient with spondylosis (degenerative disease of the spine)

The patient spent 3 weeks in a spa, where he received warm compresses on his back and water exercises. After returning home, he purchased a green fleece Priessnitz wrap (140×170 cm) and applies it 2 times a week in the evening to his lower back and lumbar spine. After 3 months, a consultation with a physiotherapist confirmed improved mobility and a decrease in chronic pain.

Case 2: Patient with high blood pressure

The patient was in a spa, where she participated in water exercises and received hydrotherapy procedures. She returned with normalized blood pressure. To maintain it, she applies a full-body Priessnitz wrap once a week before bed and exercises regularly. After a year, her blood pressure remains stable without increasing her medication.

Example 3: Patient with arthritis of the knee

After a spa stay, the patient purchased a small wrap blanket (50×70 cm) and applies it to the affected knee 3 times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). He combines it with simple exercises and increased water intake. An X-ray after 6 months shows stabilization of the degeneration and the patient reports less pain.

Conclusion: A logical continuation of the tradition

Priessnitz wraps are not just some kind of "*home" substitute for spa care - they are a direct legacy of the philosophy that Vincenz Priessnitz himself created. This system was originally designed to allow everyone, regardless of social or economic status, to apply hydrotherapeutic principles at home, in the presence of their loved ones, according to their needs and possibilities.

After returning from the spa, a simple rule applies: If the patient wants to maintain the improvement achieved, he should continue the care he learned at the spa at home. The Priessnitz wrap is the simplest, most economical and most practical method for this - and at the same time it is a method that has been in practice in the Czech lands for hundreds of years.

At a time when healthcare is focused on personalized medicine and the prevention of chronic diseases, home Priessnitz wraps after spa treatment are clearly the ideal solution for long-term maintenance of health and prevention of relapse of symptoms.

The Czech Republic is experiencing a record incidence of mycoplasma infections in 2024/2025 – almost 34,500 cases were reported, which is ten times the usual number. The most affected are school-age children, in whom mycoplasma pneumonia (pneumonia) occurs atypically and is often not recognized in time. While antibiotic treatment is necessary, natural supportive methods, including the Priessnitz wrap, can significantly speed up recovery and alleviate unpleasant symptoms.

What is mycoplasma pneumonia and why is it so common this year

Mycoplasma pneumonia is an atypical pneumonia caused by the bacterium Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Unlike classic bacterial pneumonia caused by pneumococcus, mycoplasma infection develops more gradually and is primarily manifested by a dry, irritating cough that can last weeks or months.

Why the record increase in 2024/2025?

Epidemiologists attribute the current boom to several factors:​

Cyclic nature: Mycoplasma pneumoniae appears in 3-7 year cycles – the last major epidemic was before 2019, which means now is the natural time for a new peak.​

Immune debt: After Covid lockdowns, children have not been exposed to common pathogens, so their immune systems are not ready.​

School environment: The bacteria spreads by droplet infection in closed spaces – schools are an ideal environment for transmission.​

Late diagnosis: Symptoms are subtle and are often mistaken for a common cold, so children go to school and spread the infection further.​

How to recognize mycoplasma pneumonia in children

Typical symptoms develop gradually over 1-3 weeks:​

Early phase (week 1)

• Dry, irritating cough (the most characteristic symptom)
• Mild fever (37.5-38.5°C) or absence of fever
• Fatigue and exhaustion
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Cough​

Advanced phase (2nd-3rd week)

• Worsening cough - paroxysmal, especially at night
• Possible shortness of breath on exertion
• Chest pain when coughing or taking a deep breath
• Hoarseness
• Worsened general condition
• Possible extrapulmonary manifestations: skin rash, joint pain, diarrhea

Difference from classical pneumonia

Mycoplasma pneumonia is therefore often called "walking pneumonia" (pneumonia that a person walks with) - a child can have pneumonia on an X-ray, but still go to school.

Why is antibiotic treatment necessary

Unlike viral infections, where antibiotics are ineffective, mycoplasma pneumonia requires antibiotic treatment. Mycoplasma pneumoniae is a bacterium, although atypical (it does not have a cell wall, so regular penicillin does not work).

Antibiotics of choice

Macrolides (azithromycin, clarithromycin) - first choice in children

• Duration of treatment: 3-5 days
• Advantage: single dose 1x daily

Tetracyclines (doxycycline) - in children over 8 years of age

• Duration of treatment: 7-10 days

Fluoroquinolones - reserve antibiotics when macrolides fail

Important: Never start antibiotic treatment yourself without a doctor's prescription. Incorrect choice of antibiotic or premature termination of treatment leads to the development of resistance.

How the Priessnitz wrap supports the treatment of mycoplasma pneumonia

While antibiotics fight directly against the bacteria, the Priessnitz chest wrap acts symptomatically and supports the body's natural defense mechanisms:

Improvement of blood circulation in the lungs

The contrast of hot-cold application causes reactive hyperemia (increased blood circulation) in the lungs. More blood means more oxygen, nutrients and immune cells in the inflamed area.

Relaxation of the airways

The wrap relieves spasm of the smooth muscles of the bronchi, which makes breathing easier and reduces shortness of breath.

Promotes expectoration

The heat and moisture help to dissolve mucus deposited in the bronchi, which allows it to be coughed up better.

Anti-inflammatory effect

The cold application reduces the inflammatory reaction in the lungs, which relieves chest pain and improves ventilation.

Soothes paroxysmal cough

The wrap has a calming effect on the irritating receptors in the bronchi, which reduces the frequency of coughing attacks, especially at night.

Instructions: Priessnitz chest wrap for mycoplasma pneumonia

Preparation of materials

• Inner layer: cotton fabric or diaper towel (40×60 cm for smaller children, 60×80 cm for older children and adults)
• Mid layer: flannel or fleece blanket (10 cm larger than the inner layer)
• Outer layer: warm wool blanket
• Water: lukewarm (20-24°C) – not cold!
• Bowl or basin

Application procedure

Step 1: Preparing the environment

• Room temperature at least 22°C
• Close windows, avoid drafts
• Prepare a bed with several pillows (the child will be in a semi-sitting position)

Step 2: Wetting the fabric

• Soak the inner cotton fabric in lukewarm water (20-24°C)
• Wring out thoroughly - the fabric must be damp, but not dripping
• Excessive moisture will cause hypothermia and can worsen the inflammation

Step 3: Application to the chest

Put the child in a semi-sitting position (30-45° - important for better breathing)

• Spread the inner wet cloth over the entire chest from the neck to the lower ribs
• Laterally (to the sides), the wrap should reach the back
• Immediately cover with a middle dry layer (flannel cloth)
• Wrap the entire body in a warm woolen blanket

Step 4: Exposure time

• Children 2-6 years: 20-25 minutes
• Children 6-12 years: 25-35 minutes
• Children over 12 years and adults: 35-45 minutes

During the exposure, talk to the child, read to him, or let him listen to an audio story. Check if the extremities are too hot or cold.

Step 5: Removing and caring for the wrap

After the time has passed, remove the wrap

• Dry the skin of the chest with a soft towel
• Clothe the child in a dry, warm cotton T-shirt
• Let him rest in a warm bed for at least 30-60 minutes

How often to repeat

In the acute phase (first week of antibiotic treatment):

• 2-3 times a day - morning, afternoon, evening before bedtime
• A gap of at least 3-4 hours between applications

In the recovery phase (2nd-3rd week):

• 1-2 times a day - afternoon and evening
• Continue until the cough has significantly subsided

Evening application is most important - cough in mycoplasma pneumonia worsens at night, and a wrap before bedtime can significantly improve the quality of sleep.

Complementary natural methods for faster recovery

Combining the Priessnitz wrap with other natural methods brings the best results:

1. Inhalation with herbs

How to do it: Inhale water vapor with chamomile, thyme or sage 3 times a day.

Effect: Steam moistens the respiratory tract, herbs have antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects. It helps dissolve mucus.

Practical tip: Use an inhaler or a bowl of hot water - the child leans over a bowl covered with a towel and inhales the steam for 5-10 minutes.

2. Air humidification

How to do it: Use a humidifier in the child's room, especially at night. Alternatively, place bowls of water around the room.

Effect: Dry air irritates already inflamed respiratory tract. Optimal humidity of 50-60% accelerates healing.

3. Herbal teas to support immunity

Recommended mixtures:

Thyme + linden: expectorant (supports coughing) + antipyretic (reduces fever) effect

Rosehip + black elderberry: high vitamin C content supports the immune system

Thyme: strong antibacterial effect, helps with coughing

Dosage: 3-4 times a day a cup of warm (not hot) tea.

4. Honey with onion – traditional expectorant

Recipe:

Cut 1 large onion into thin slices

Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of honey

Let stand overnight in a closed container

Strain the resulting liquid in the morning

Dosage: 3-4 times a day 1 teaspoon of this liquid.

Effect: Onions contain sulfur and flavonoids with antibacterial effect, honey soothes irritation and creates a protective film.​

5. Breathing exercises

After the acute phase has subsided (from the 2nd week of treatment), gentle breathing exercises help restore full lung capacity:​

Deep breathing: 5x slow inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth

Breathing exercises: inflate balloons 2-3x a day

Strengthening the diaphragm: breathe into the abdomen (the abdomen rises when you inhale)​

6. Peace and rest

Most important: A child with mycoplasma pneumonia needs complete peace - no school, sports or other physical activity for at least 2 weeks.​

Why: Mycoplasma pneumoniae damages the ciliated epithelium of the bronchi. It takes time and peace to regenerate. Early return to school can lead to relapse (relapse).

What not to do with mycoplasma pneumonia

Some common habits can worsen the course of the disease:

❌ Do not use antitussives (cough suppressants) without a doctor's recommendation - coughing is a defense mechanism that helps expel bacteria

❌ Do not return your child to school early - the infection can spread to other children and the child risks worsening

❌ Do not underestimate worsening symptoms - some children require hospitalization

❌ Do not stop antibiotic treatment prematurely - even if the child feels better, he must complete the treatment

❌ Do not expose your child to cigarette smoke - smoke significantly worsens the course of pneumonia

❌ Do not apply warm compresses to the chest in the acute phase - they increase inflammation. Use only lukewarm compresses

When to see a doctor or call an ambulance immediately

Mycoplasma pneumonia is usually mild, but in some cases it can be serious:

Call an ambulance immediately (155) if:

The child has significant breathing difficulties (breathing rapidly, shallowly, with exertion)

• Lips or nails are bluish in color (cyanosis - lack of oxygen)
• Is abnormally sleepy or cannot be woken up
• Has a very high fever (over 40°C) that does not respond to antipyretics
• Chest pain is intense and getting worse

See a doctor as scheduled if:

• Cough lasts more than 3 weeks without improvement
• No improvement after several days of antibiotics
• Fever does not go away after 3 days
• New symptoms appear (rash, joint pain, diarrhea)
• The child refuses to eat and drink

Prevention: How prevent mycoplasma pneumonia

In times of epidemic, prevention is key:

Hygiene measures:

Frequent hand washing (at least 20 seconds with soap)

Coughing and sneezing into your elbow, not your hands

Do not use shared cutlery, glasses, towels

Regular ventilation of rooms

Immunity boosting:

Sufficient sleep (children 10-12 hours a day)

A balanced diet rich in vitamins (fruit , vegetables)

Regular exercise in the fresh air

Preventive Priessnitz wraps 2 times a week during the flu season

Limit contacts:

During the epidemic, limit visits to closed spaces with a large number of people

If the child is sick, keep him at home and do not send him to school

Prognosis: How long does it take to recover

With proper treatment, the prognosis of mycoplasma pneumonia is excellent:

With antibiotics: Improvement within 2-3 days, complete disappearance of symptoms in 2-3 weeks

Without antibiotics: Cough can last 4-6 weeks or even longer, higher risk of complications

With supportive methods (including Priessnitz wrap): Acceleration of recovery by 30-40%

Return to school: At the earliest after 2 weeks from the start of antibiotic treatment and after the disappearance of symptoms

Conclusion: An integrated approach is best

Mycoplasma pneumonia requires a combined approach:

1. Antibiotic treatment (base) – fights bacteria
2. Priessnitz wrap (support) – relieves symptoms, improves blood circulation
3. Inhalation and herbs (supplement) – relaxes the airways
4. Peace and rest (necessity) – allows regeneration

At a time of record-breaking incidence of mycoplasma infections in the Czech Republic (2024/2025), it is important to be informed and know how to combine modern medicine with proven natural methods. Priessnitz wrap is not a substitute for antibiotics, but a valuable assistant that can significantly speed up your child's recovery and alleviate their suffering.

The 2025 flu epidemic hit school-age children in particular, with cases increasing by almost 80% year-on-year. When your child is suffering from high fever, pain and exhaustion, the Priessnitz wrap is a proven natural method that can provide quick relief and support the body's natural healing process.​

What is the Priessnitz wrap and why does it work for fever

The Priessnitz wrap is a traditional hydrotherapy method named after Vincenzo Priessnitz that uses the contrasting effect of cold or lukewarm water on the body. When applied to a feverish child, the wrap works in three phases:​

Hypothermic phase (first 5-10 minutes): The cold or lukewarm wrap causes the skin vessels to constrict and draws heat away from the body surface, which helps to lower the temperature.​

Isothermal phase (10-20 minutes): The wrap heats up to body temperature and stabilizes it.​

Hyperthermic phase (after 20 minutes): The blood vessels dilate, blood circulation improves, and sweat glands are stimulated, which speeds up the elimination of toxins.​

Unlike antipyretics (fever-fighting drugs), which act systemically, the Priessnitz wrap provides local relief without burdening the child's liver and kidneys. Fever is an important defense reaction of the body against viruses - the wrap does not reduce it drastically, but it alleviates unpleasant symptoms and helps the child to tolerate the illness better.

When to use the Priessnitz wrap for children with the flu

The Priessnitz wrap is particularly suitable in the following situations:

• Temperature of 38-39°C, when the child is restless and suffers from discomfort
• Headache and muscle pain accompanying the flu
• Feeling of heat and restlessness that prevents the child from resting
• Inability to sleep due to high temperature
• Prevention of overheating of the body during a rapid increase in temperature

Do not use the wrap if:

The child has shivering or chills (it is necessary to warm up first)

He has cold extremities (this means that the body is still fighting the infection)

The temperature exceeds 40°C (contact a doctor immediately)

The child is younger than 6 months (only after consulting a pediatrician)

Has a serious chronic illness

Step-by-step instructions: Priessnitz wrap for children

Preparation of materials

You will need:

• Inner layer: thin cotton cloth or diaper towel (approx. 40×60 cm for smaller children, 60×80 cm for older ones)
• Middle layer: flannel or woolen cloth (5-10 cm larger than the inner layer)
• Outer layer: warm blanket or towel
• Water: lukewarm (20-24°C) for children, not cold!
• Bowl or basin for soaking the cloth

Important: Never use ice or very cold water for children - the optimal temperature is 20-24°C, which is lukewarm to slightly cool. For infants and toddlers, start with even warmer water (24-26°C).

Chest application procedure (for cough and fever)

Step 1: Prepare the environment
Ensure a warm room (at least 22°C), close the windows. The child should be quiet, not immediately after a meal.

Step 2: Soak the fabric
Soak the inner cotton fabric in lukewarm water, wring it out thoroughly – the love should be damp, but not dripping. Excessive moisture will cause hypothermia.

Step 3: Application to the chest

• Lay the child on his back
• Spread the inner wet cloth over the entire chest from the neck to the ribs
• Immediately cover with a medium dry layer (flannel cloth)
• Wrap the entire body in a warm blanket

Step 4: Duration

• Children 2-6 years: 15-20 minutes
• Children 6-12 years: 20-30 minutes
• Children over 12 years: 30-40 minutes

While the wrap is in effect, talk to the child, read a story to him or otherwise soothe him. Check that he is not too hot or cold.

Step 5: Removal and rest
After the time has elapsed, remove the wrap, dry the skin and put the child in dry, warm pajamas. Let it rest in a warm bed for at least 30 minutes.​

Application procedure for the neck (for sore throat)

For sore throats, which are the dominant symptom of the current flu epidemic, use a wrap:​

Step 1: Soak the inner removable cotton part of the wrap belt in cold water (for children, we choose less cold water).

Step 2: Insert the well-wrung cotton part into the wrap belt by tucking it under the straps.

Step 3: Place it on the body and secure with Velcro so that the wrap adheres to the body as best as possible and its effect can be as great as possible. Always apply the wrap directly to the skin.

Step 4: Leave on for 20-30 minutes for children (shorter time than for adults)

Step 5: After removing, dry the neck and let the child rest in warmth

Full-body wrap for high fever

If the temperature is above 39°C and there is severe discomfort, you can use a full-body wrap:

1. The inner removable cotton part of the wrap blanket - in this case, for example, soak the sheet that is not part of the wrap blanket in cold water (for children, we choose less cold water).
2. We wrap ourselves in a well-wrung sheet and then wrap ourselves in another layer - a blanket. The wrap blanket should adhere well to the body to maximize the effect. A break is necessary after applying the wrap.
3. Leave for 15-20 minutes for younger children, 20-30 minutes for older ones.

How often can you repeat the wrap?

• For flu with fever, you can repeat the Priessnitz wrap:
• 2-3 times a day in the acute phase of the illness
• With a gap of at least 2-3 hours between applications
• Best in the morning, afternoon and before bedtime
• Continue wait 3-5 days or until the fever subsides

Between applications, ensure that the child has plenty of fluids (tea, water, diluted juices) and a light diet.

Combination with other natural methods

For maximum effectiveness in treating the flu, combine the Priessnitz wrap with:

Sufficient hydration: Herbal teas (linden, elderberry, rosehip) help flush out toxins and replenish fluids lost through sweating.

Air humidification: Use a humidifier or bowls of water in the room - moist air makes breathing easier.

Inhalation: Water vapor with chamomile or sage relaxes the airways.

Vitamin C: Fresh fruit or natural supplements support the immune system.

Rest and sleep: Rest is the most important thing - the wrap helps children sleep better.

When to see a doctor

The Priessnitz wrap is effective supportive method, but does not replace medical care. Contact your pediatrician immediately if:​

• The fever exceeds 40°C or lasts longer than 3 days
• The child refuses to drink and shows signs of dehydration
• Has difficulty breathing, wheezing or blue lips
• Is abnormally sleepy or difficult to wake
• A rash, bleeding or other unusual symptoms appear
• The fever returns after several days without symptoms
• The child has an underlying chronic disease (asthma, heart disease, etc.)

The current flu epidemic in the Czech Republic is caused by the aggressive variant A/H3N2, so it is especially important to monitor the development of symptoms and do not hesitate to seek professional help if they worsen.

Why does the Priessnitz wrap work better than other methods

Research shows that the Priessnitz wrap has several advantages over common methods of reducing fever:​

Gentleness: Unlike antipyretics, it does not burden the liver and kidneys of the child.​

Supporting natural healing: It does not completely block fever, which is an important defense against viruses, but it alleviates its unpleasant symptoms.​

Improving blood circulation: Alternating vasoconstriction and vasodilation improves blood circulation in the tissues and supports the immune response.​

Anti-inflammatory effect: Cold application reduces inflammatory processes in the respiratory tract.​

No side effects: A properly applied wrap has no side effects.