We are a fever-phobic culture! Using drugs to suppress fevers is such a standard medical practice, we have forgotten the importance of this logical, natural immune response. How many of us know that suppressing fevers may actually increase viral replication? Let's take a minute to review what exactly a fever is, and how it benefits the body. Remember - the body mounts a fever for a reason!
Fevers over 101 degrees F stop viral replication. The rise in temperature inhibits the viral DNA strand from capturing free amino acids, required for replication. REDUCING a fever during a viral influenza attack may actually accelerate a virus's rapid replication!
Fasting on light broths and water assists the body during a fever by taking the burden off the liver, so that it may efficiently get rid of the body's microbial waste.
Encourage a fever by staying warm, and sweating! Take a warm bath, cover up in warm clothes and drink warm teas.
Let the fever help you heal.
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Does this apply to babies and children too?
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