Is fever good or bad?

It depends on its cause. In most cases, fever increases the chances of survival since it limits the growth and virulence (the ability to produce disease) of most bacterial species. Temperatures in a febrile state also increase the immune system’s phagocytic (destructive) and antibacterial abilities, thus increasing body’s ability to defend itself against infections. Nevertheless, fever can be accompanied by a number of problems, such as: For each degree Celsius that body temperature rises, oxygen intake increases 13%, which causes tachypnea (an increase in the respiratory rate). The intake of calories and liquids also increases. One of the most common symptoms that appear with fever is loss of appetite. This is due to the fact that since the respiratory rate is higher than usual, the air is also swallowed, which makes patients feel full. Fever reduces mental sharpness and can cause stupor and delirium, not to mention myalgia and arthralgia which cause pain and aching joints, sleepiness, and fatigue.

Convulsions are typically present in kids under 5, when they suffer temperatures above 104°F (40°C), or with lesser temperatures, if they have a past history.

The characteristic patterns of fever during the course of a disease are difficult to identify nowadays due to antipyretics (medication to treat fever) that are so commonly self-medicated. Nevertheless, let’s mention some of the different fever types:

  Continuous fever. The temperature remains above normal for long periods of time with little variation.
  Intermittent fever. There is an exaggeration of the normal circadian rhythm, with temperatures tending to rise at night and fall during the day.
  Remittent fever. When body temperature falls during the day but not to normal levels. This usually occurs in viral infections or tuberculosis.
  Recurrent fever. Fever recurs a number of times, always several days after the temperature has returned to normal. When peaks occur every three days, this is called tertian fever, such as in Malaria.

Examining the patient frequently and carefully assessing vital signs will help us determine the origin of the fever and thus make a decision regarding whether we should allow it to take its course or treat it with medication.

Don’t hesitate to contact your physician if you notice you family’s body temperature reaches or surpasses 99.5°F (37.5°C.). Your physician will be able to help you. It’s important not to self-medicate, since using unprescribed medication can lead to more complications. For example, if we give somebody an antipyretic to alleviate flu symptoms, we are increasing that person’s chances of suffering from a deadly and much feared complication known as Reye’s Syndrome.



M.C.P. AUTONOMOUS UNIVERSITY OF NUEVO LEON, LONDON COLLEGE OF HOMEOPATHY, CERTIFIED BY MEXICO’S COUNCIL OF GENERAL MEDICINE AND THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF MEDICINE. ESCOBEDO SUR 122-C, CENTRO MONTERREY, C.P. 64000, MÉXICO. 52(81) 8343-3196