High Fever Overview
Various diseases have plagued the human race for millennia, and
at best they inspire fear and apprehension, and at worst, fear
and blind panic. Until the early-mid 20th century, fever was a
word that struck fear into people all over the world, and death
from high fever was common.
However, because of developments in medicine, antibiotics, and
vaccines, most of the diseases that caused these high fevers are
now either treatable or preventable.
Recent research has actually discovered that fever is not our
enemy. Indeed, it has been found that fever is an important part
of the body's defence against whatever infectious agent is
invading the body. The fever is an indicator that a battle is
going on.
In fact, the fever is fighting for the sufferer, not against.
The temperature 98.6°F (37°C) is considered "normal core body
temperature", but this temperature can vary by 1-2 degrees
depending on the person, the time of day, the amount of physical
activity, emotion, eating, drinking, clothing, and the ambient
temperature and humidity in the surrounding environment.
Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in humans thrive
at normal body temperature (98.6°F, 37°C). During a fever, the
bodies temperature has been raised by a few degrees and this can
give the body an advantage over the infectious agent by making
conditions less conducive to its survival and reproduction. In
addition, the fever helps activate the body's immune system
defences and accelerates the production of white blood cells,
antibodies, and other infection-fighting agents and systems.
High Fever At a Glance ...
Ø Fevers are not the enemy.
Ø Raising the bodies temperature can give the body an advantage
over the infectious agent by making conditions less conducive to
its survival and reproduction.
Ø Fevers also activate the body's immune system defences and
accelerate the production of white blood cells, antibodies, and
other infection-fighting agents.
Ø However, anyone who has a fever greater than 105°F (40.5°C)
should seek medical attention.
Ø A High Fever may be caused by mumps, measles, meningitis, or
any of a large number of other serious and not-so-serious
diseases - seek medical advice.
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