November 18th, 2011 
JasonH Fevers are an essential defense mechanism our body possesses, yet most people do not understand what it’s purpose is and as a result, most try to quell the power before it can work effectively.
Fevers, by definition, are the body’s natural ability to raise it’s internal temperature. Why would our body’s want to do this? The answer to this is simple: To make the body less hospitable to foreign invaders such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites. These organisms function, reproduce, and reek havoc at ideal body temperatures, and increasing this temperature even a few degrees can disrupt these processes and even kill the pathogens. This lowers their ability to flourish and thrive, and increases our body’s immune response by making it so there are fewer invaders to kill.
So why would anyone want to stop a fever? That’s a very good question, and it essentially comes down to two simple facts. First, anti-fever medications like Tylenol and Ibuprofen, are multi-billion dollar a year medications that are pushed to nearly everyone on a routine basis through advertising. They treat fevers as a negative and dangerous side effect to being ill when the opposite is true! A fever indicates that our body is responding to and adequately fighting an infection. Taking Tylenol or other meds will lower your body’s natural defenses, and can make you more susceptible to serious infections.
The second reason why fevers are so routinely eliminated is fear. Our society is fearful that fevers can lead to serious complications or even death. While this is true, the incidence of this is extremely rare and should not be a factor in your decision to medicate. Fevers are safe, effective, and are generally a sign of a healthy immune response.
So what can you do if you or someone you know presents with a fever? First, keep them comfortable. Do not overdress them and make sure they are getting plenty of fluids. When the body turns up it’s natural furnace, it will burn more fluids, and replenishing these fluids is vital.
If you have any questions about fevers, please give Dr. Hanft a call!
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