Question
My 10-month-old baby has a fever of 38.7 degrees, with a very hot head. Despite wearing many clothes, the baby is not sweating. I’ve heard that sweating indicates the fever is subsiding. How can I make the baby sweat?
Answer
When a child’s body temperature falls below 38.5 degrees, it is recommended to give them oral antipyretic medication with minimal side effects under a doctor’s guidance, and to ensure they drink plenty of water. Generally, within half an hour after taking the medication, the child should start sweating and their body temperature will gradually decrease. If the child has not started sweating after more than half an hour or an hour, you can try physical cooling by wiping the areas where major blood vessels pass with warm water, such as under the armpits and in the groin area. Remember not to wipe the abdomen, palms, soles of the feet, or the back of the neck.