Question
Is it normal for a 5-month-old baby to have a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius? The baby looks listless, what should I do?
Answer
For a 5-month-old baby, a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius may indicate a fever. In this situation, you can first try using alcohol wipes to cool the baby down, while also identifying the cause of the fever. There are many possible causes of fever, the most common being infection, but it could also be due to connective tissue diseases, malignant tumors, and more. It’s not recommended to rush into giving medication to the baby without determining the cause. Additionally, considering that the baby may be deficient in calcium, you can provide calcium gluconate and vitamin D supplements, along with adequate sun exposure to promote calcium absorption. The baby’s diet should be balanced, with an emphasis on foods rich in calcium such as milk, soy products, seafood, and others.