How to help a child with the flu and high fever: Priessnitz wrap step by step

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.