Fever is an ancient defense mechanism that helps the body fight off infections by creating an environment that is unfavorable for pathogens to thrive. It is a systemic response that involves the immune system, nervous system, and endocrine system, and is triggered by pyrogens, which are chemicals released by the immune system in response to infection.
When the body detects an infection, it responds by increasing its core temperature, which makes it difficult for pathogens to multiply and survive. The increased temperature also activates the immune system, which sends white blood cells to fight off the infection.
Fever is not just a symptom of illness, but an active defense mechanism that helps the body recover from infection. In fact, research suggests that suppressing fever with medication may not be beneficial in all cases, and may even prolong the duration of illness.
However, there are exceptions, such as in cases of neurological injuries or stroke, where fever can be detrimental. It's also important to note that fever can be a sign of a serious underlying condition, and should be monitored and treated by a medical professional if it becomes too high or persists for too long.
In general, the decision to treat fever with medication should be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the individual's overall health and the severity of the infection.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Life on Earth can thrive between temperatures of -10°C and 120°C.
2. Every animal or microbe has a temperature range that is ideal and one that is stressful but survivable for a while.
3. Humans are warm-blooded animals and their bodies expend a lot of energy to maintain a temperature of around 37°C (98.6°F).
4. This temperature makes humans almost entirely immune to fungi, one of the worst killers and parasites.
5. Fever is a defensive mechanism that pushes an invader outside its ideal temperature range, making the environment hostile.
6. Fever evolved at least 600 million years ago and is widespread among animals, with most increasing their core temperature when sick.
7. When an invader enters the body, the immune system triggers a response to raise the body temperature, making it harder for the invader to survive.
8. The immune system uses fever to stress out the invader, making it harder for it to multiply and survive.
9. Fever is a systemic, body-wide response that requires a lot of energy, with the body burning about 10% more calories to stay alive for every degree centigrade the body temperature rises.
10. Fever is also a strong order to rest and save energy, allowing the immune system to fight off the invader.
11. The immune system uses various mechanisms to fight off the invader, including inflammation, which floods the battlefield with fluids, attack proteins, and soldiers.
12. Fever can cause damage to the invader's organs, membranes, DNA, and protein production, making it harder for it to survive.
13. The immune system can adapt to an invader's attempts to survive the fever, making it harder for the invader to adapt.
14. Some pathogens, like the measles virus, use hit-and-run tactics to replicate quickly before the full immune response kicks in.
15. Fever is an effective part of the immune system, helping to attack and stress the invader from many angles.
16. However, fever can be suppressed by medications like Aspirin or Ibuprofen, which can also work against pain.
17. Suppressing fever can be beneficial in some cases, such as in patients with neurological injuries or stroke.
18. However, there is strong evidence that more people may survive serious infectious diseases better with a fever.
19. There is little clinical evidence that stopping fever leads to better health outcomes.
20. Fever is not dangerous below 40°C (104°F) and does not need to be treated.
21. Pregnant women, seniors, and seriously weakened patients should not have fever, as the extra stress may be dangerous.
22. Fever over 40°C is dangerous to anybody because it's most likely caused by the internal heat monitor failing.