Should I cover myself with a blanket if I have a fever?

October 2, 2025 •

3 min read

A fever is a natural immune response to illness, designed to raise your body's temperature and help fight infection. But when those familiar shivers set in, the immediate impulse is often to bundle up. So, should I cover myself with a blanket if I have a fever?

Quick Summary

Over-bundling can trap heat, making it harder for your body to cool down and potentially worsening discomfort. Instead, use a light, breathable covering to stay comfortable without impeding your body's natural temperature regulation process.

Key Points

Avoid heavy blankets: Bundling up with thick blankets can trap heat, interfering with your body's natural ability to cool itself down.
Choose light, breathable fabrics: Opt for a thin cotton sheet or a light blanket to provide comfort during chills without causing overheating.
Debunk the 'sweat it out' myth: This old remedy can actually lead to dehydration and increase your body temperature to unsafe levels.
Stay hydrated: Fevers increase fluid loss, so drinking plenty of water, broth, or electrolyte solutions is crucial for recovery.
Wear loose, lightweight clothing: This helps your body regulate its temperature and allows sweat to evaporate naturally.
Keep your environment cool: A slightly cool, well-ventilated room can make a significant difference in your overall comfort and recovery.

The Science Behind Your Fever

To understand how to best manage a fever, it's helpful to know what's happening inside your body. A fever is not a sickness but a symptom of one, typically a viral or bacterial infection. Your hypothalamus, the body's thermostat, intentionally raises your core temperature to create a less hospitable environment for invading pathogens. As your temperature rises, your body often triggers muscle contractions, or chills, as a way to generate more heat, which is why you feel cold and shiver despite having a high temperature.

The “Sweat It Out” Myth Debunked

The old folklore of "sweating out a fever" by wrapping yourself in layers of blankets is a common misconception. While you might feel warmer and the sweating might eventually occur, this practice is counterproductive and potentially dangerous. By adding heavy blankets, you are actively preventing your body's heat from escaping. This can cause your temperature to rise to unhealthy levels, increase dehydration, and make you feel more uncomfortable. For the fever to subside naturally, your body needs to be able to release heat, not trap it.

The Correct Approach to Managing Chills

Instead of heavy bundling, the key is to manage your chills while allowing your body to regulate its temperature. As your fever breaks and your temperature begins to fall, your body will naturally start to cool down. It is during this phase that you can use a light blanket or sheet for comfort.

Use lightweight, breathable covers: Opt for a thin sheet, a light cotton blanket, or a muslin cloth. These provide comfort without trapping excessive heat.
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing: Choose moisture-wicking or cotton pajamas that allow air to circulate and help sweat evaporate. Heavy, restrictive clothing will only make you feel hotter.
Maintain a cool room temperature: Keeping your room at a comfortable, cool temperature helps your body regulate its heat. Good air circulation is key.

Comparison: Bundling Up vs. Light Covering During a Fever


Feature	Bundling Up with Heavy Blankets	Using a Light, Breathable Cover
Temperature Regulation	Traps heat, preventing the body from cooling naturally. Can cause body temperature to rise further.	Allows heat to dissipate, assisting the body's natural cooling process.
Comfort	Can feel cozy temporarily but often leads to overheating, sweating, and increased discomfort.	Provides just enough comfort to manage chills without causing overheating.
Dehydration Risk	High risk due to excessive sweating with restricted heat loss.	Lower risk, as the body can cool down more efficiently.
Speed of Recovery	Can prolong the fever by hindering the body's ability to cool down.	Supports the body's natural healing process, potentially speeding up recovery.

Other Essential Fever Management Techniques

Managing a fever involves more than just how you cover up. Here are some other crucial steps to take:

Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions. A fever can increase fluid loss, and dehydration can worsen your symptoms.
Take a Lukewarm Bath: A lukewarm bath or sponge bath can help bring your temperature down gently. Avoid cold water, as it can cause shivering and make you feel worse.
Rest Adequately: Give your body the time and energy it needs to fight the infection. Rest is a powerful tool in recovery.
Use OTC Medication (if necessary): Over-the-counter fever reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help alleviate discomfort. Always follow the dosage instructions and consult a pharmacist if you have questions.
Listen to Your Body: Your body will tell you what it needs. If you feel too warm, remove a layer. If you feel chilly, add a light sheet.

The Importance of Monitoring Your Fever

It's important to monitor your temperature and symptoms, especially when treating a fever at home. While most fevers resolve on their own, a high or persistent fever can be a sign of a more serious condition. For guidance on when to seek professional medical help, you can visit the CDC's website for information on fever.

Conclusion: Finding the Right Balance

So, the next time you feel a fever coming on and the chills start, resist the urge to grab your heaviest duvet. Instead, remember that while a light blanket can provide comfort, the goal is to assist your body's natural cooling mechanisms, not to fight them. Opt for light, breathable layers, stay hydrated, and rest. By finding this balance, you can manage your symptoms more effectively and recover more comfortably.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you have a fever, your body's internal thermostat resets to a higher temperature. The chills and shivering you feel are your body's way of generating more heat to meet that new, higher temperature setting, even though your external temperature may feel high.

Yes, it can be. Heavy blankets trap heat, which can cause your body temperature to rise to dangerous levels. This overheating can make you feel more unwell and can lead to complications like dehydration.

Use a light, single layer, like a thin cotton sheet. This provides enough covering to feel comfortable during chills but still allows excess heat to escape. You can add or remove layers as needed based on how you feel.

No, it's a myth. Forcing yourself to sweat by bundling up can increase your risk of overheating and dehydration. The goal is to manage your fever comfortably while allowing your body to naturally cool down, not to force it to sweat excessively.

Wear light, loose-fitting clothing made from breathable materials like cotton. This allows air to circulate, promotes sweat evaporation, and helps your body regulate its temperature more effectively.

Yes, if you use a heavy blanket and over-bundle, you can trap heat and prevent your body from cooling down. This can increase your temperature and make you feel more uncomfortable.

Prioritize rest and hydration by drinking plenty of fluids like water and clear broths. A lukewarm bath or cool compresses on your forehead can also provide relief. Over-the-counter medication can be used to manage discomfort, but always follow dosage instructions.