Health information

QUESTION: When I called my doctor recently to ask for help with a high fever
during a bout with a serious throat infection, he told me that the high
temperatures were helping me fight the infection
I always thought a high
fever was bad for you, so I don’t understand what he was trying to tell me.
Have you any information that can explain his comment?

ANSWER: The normal body temperature is considered to be 98.8 degrees
Fahrenheit (37 degrees Centigrade)
When it exceeds 100 F (37.8 C) orally or
100.8 F (38.2) rectal, it is considered to be a “fever”
This elevation can
be caused by many illnesses, but when there is an infection attacking the
body, the higher temperatures do indeed have a role in fighting the invading
bacteria
Bacteria thrive best at the normal body temperature, and they are
slowed down by higher levels
The higher the temperature, or more pronounced
the fever is, the more vulnerable the bacteria become
That makes it easier
for the body’s own defenses, such as the protecting white blood cells, which
literally eat up the bacteria to reduce the spread of the infection and
eradicate the foreign bacteria
Unless the fever becomes uncomfortably high
or provokes a convulsion, it can be allowed to run its course
Fevers are
generally higher in the afternoon or early evening and are higher and more
frequent in children than adults
As you get older, the body reaction to
infection is lessened and the level of the temperatures are also reduced.
There are a few things you can do to make a fever more tolerable
Drink
plenty of liquids when a fever is present
Bathing in a tub of warm water is
helpful, and it is unnecessary to subject yourself to the uncomfortable
experience of a cold or lukewarm sponge bath
When considering children or
teenagers and infections, particularly those caused by viruses (such as
chickenpox or flu) aspirin is a no-no as it can lead to a serious condition
known as Reye’s Syndrome
Acetaminophen, in tablet or liquid form, is
preferred
Dress in light, loose fitting sleepwear, and allow the evaporation
of perspiration to help make you more comfortable
Usually when intense
sweating develops, the infection is just about conquered, and you are on the
road to rapid recovery.

The material contained here is “FOR INFORMATION ONLY” and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician
Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.

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