How to cool the body during fever?

To cool the body during a fever, it's important not to apply cold compresses directly to areas like the neck, as this can inadvertently increase internal body temperatures. Instead, Andrew Huberman recommends cooling specific areas where veins and arteries interact without capillaries in between, specifically:

• The bottoms of the feet
• The palms of the hands
• The upper part of the face

These areas, known as glabrous skin surfaces, allow for rapid temperature modulation of the blood passing through them, making them effective points for cooling the body down efficiently during a fever. Regular towels cooled to a temperature that does not cause vasoconstriction can be used effectively on these surfaces to help reduce fever 1 2 3.

Additionally, while it might be common to use non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs like Tylenol or Advil to reduce fever, it's worth noting that fever can play a beneficial role in fighting infections. These medications, while lowering temperature, could potentially hinder the body's natural defensive response to pathogens 1. Therefore, it might be beneficial to consult healthcare professionals before using these medications to suppress a fever, especially if it is within a safe temperature range.