In the USSR era, the medical system had its own characteristics, some of which today may seem strange or dangerous. Treatment was often based on old, not always scientifically sound and radical methods. One of these methods was to reduce high temperature with vodka.

In the era of the USSR, shelves of pharmacies were not replete with antipyretic remedies. Yes, and difficulties often arose with the doctor - I had to wait for long lines. Folk methods came to the rescue.

It was believed that alcohol quickly disappears from the surface of the skin, " For the procedure, vodka was used, sometimes diluted with water. They moisten the fabric and wiped the forehead, chest, arms and legs of the patient, after which it was covered with a light bedspread.

In fact, this method was very dangerous, especially for children. Vodka easily penetrates through the skin into the body and can lead to intoxication of a weakened body. And alcohol entering the blood can provoke poisoning and worsen the patient's condition.

Wiping with vodka sometimes even increased the load on the heart and other organs. This is due to the fact that the body began to actively compensate for the loss of heat, trying to warm up, which caused additional stress for the body.

Under the influence of alcohol, the vessels expand, which creates the illusion that body temperature decreases. In fact, such wiping can lead to a violation of thermoregulation, since the vessels cannot adequately respond to temperature changes.

In the case when wiping with alcohol was used at high temperature and without proper control, it was possible to achieve a radical effect of hypothermia. This is especially dangerous for children whose body is much more sensitive to temperature changes.

Today, doctors do not recommend the method of wiping with vodka, since there are more effective and safe means to combat high temperature.