We’ve all experienced the chills, sweats, and overall malaise that accompany a fever. While it might seem like having a high body temperature is an illness in itself, it’s not—it’s a sign that your body is trying to fight an illness or infection. In most cases, it’s actually a good thing! Today, we’re going to explore this subject more closely. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of why a fever is not something to be feared, but rather embraced.
What is happening in my body when I have a fever?
A fever is defined as a core body temperature greater than 100.5°F. A normal average body temperature is 98.6°F but can vary throughout the day from 97.5°F to 99.5°F. Many viruses and harmful bacteria thrive at the body’s normal temperature. A fever raises the body’s temperature, which kills off illness-causing microbes and prevents them from reproducing. A high body temperature also kicks your immune system into high gear, spurring the rapid production of microbe-killing white blood cells.
Let it run its course
Many people wrongly believe that fevers are always harmful and should immediately be treated with fever reducers. In reality, having a high body temperature is a protective adaptive response that should be allowed to run its course in the majority of cases. If you immediately reach for a bottle of Tylenol at the first sign of a high temperature, you’re actually stopping the body’s natural process of fighting off the infection.
Colds and cases of the flu are usually caused by common viral infections. The high body temperature associated with most viral infections ranges from 101°F to 104°F and can easily run for two to three days. While a fever might not feel good, these temperatures are typically harmless and generally shouldn’t be interfered with.
When is there a cause for concern
While the majority of fevers are beneficial and should be left alone, there are cases where it is a cause for concern. Having a fever over a prolonged time period can cause brain damage, however, the temperature would have to be over 108°F. It’s very rare for the body temperature to climb that high and generally only happens when the air temperature is very high, such as when a child is left in a hot car.
Most fevers from infection don’t go above 103° or 104° F and rarely go over 105°F or 106°F. Adults with a body temperature higher than 105°F or a fever over 103°F that lasts longer than 48 hours should seek medical attention, just to be on the safe side.
The bottom line
A fever is not something to stamp out. It’s actually a sign that your body is working hard for you to fight off an infection. In the large majority of cases, it is harmless and beneficial and should not be treated with fever reducers. Simply rest, nourish yourself with healthy foods, hydrate, and let your body do what it does best—heal itself!
I hope you learned lots of useful information. Check out my blog on Strengthening Your Immune System HERE.
Stay healthy friends!
xoxo
Xio 💚
References:
//share.upmc.com/2016/10/fever-treatment-guidelines/
