Fevers are one of the telltale signs of a battle within your body.  But what about a fever? Should it be lowered? Should it not? Most of us have grown up with a fear of fevers or a concern that they must be controlled as soon as they begin.  The truth is, fevers can be instrumental in helping battle an illness and speeding recovery.

It’s important to understand that a fever is a symptom, not a disease. Fevers are actually initiated by the body in response to foreign pathogens. Our natural body tissues are designed to handle the increased heat and, by raising our temperature, our body becomes unbearably hot to unwanted germs without harming important tissues in the brain or body.  Fevers not only make the body less susceptible to viral or bacterial infection, they also trigger strong immune system responses within white blood cells to initiate lockdown on the foreign invaders!

Normal body temperature can fluctuate between 97.5°F and 99.5°F, with temperatures above 99.5°F classifying as a fever.  Most fevers range from 101° to 104° and last two to three days.  Adult fevers rarely rise above 104°, and most childhood fevers remain below 106°.  While parents often express concern about childhood fevers causing brain damage, it is important to keep in mind that children’s fevers run higher than adult fevers and that children can tolerate temperatures of 106° F. Brain damage can occur when body temperatures go higher than 107 degrees.  It is often thought that leaving a fever untreated will cause it to rise, however this is not the case.           

When people experience a fever they often wonder if antibiotics would help but, since most fevers are caused by viral infections, antibiotics are useless.  A study in The Journal of American Medicine showed that even though patients were diagnosed with viral-induced conditions, 66 percent were still prescribed antibiotics.   Antibiotics may be needed in serious or urgent health matters, but as they can kill both bad AND good bacteria (including the ones in our gut that regulate nutrient absorption), they should not be the first line of defense. Antibiotics do nothing to kill viruses, the culprit behind many colds, respiratory, and ear infections.  The over prescription of antibiotics has subsequently led to the development of antibiotic-resistant “super-bugs” like MRSA.

While fevers are natural, common occurrences, there are certain instances where a medical evaluation may be necessary.  Here are a few:

• Adult Fevers over 104°F
• A child under two months old with a fever higher than 101°F
• A feverish child who cries when moved, or otherwise touched by the parent, or has a stiff neck
• A child who is difficult to awaken
• Uncontrolled drooling or inability to swallow
• A convulsion, also known as a febrile seizure, that has occurred and lasted more than 15 minutes or has been continuing intermittently for more than 30 minutes.

When managing a fever, make sure to get plenty of fluids and to visit the chiropractor.  Research continues to show the amazing benefits of chiropractic care in optimizing the immune system and creating a 200 percent increase in white blood cell numbers – the cells that fight off infections.  It’s effective, safe, and natural, even for children and babies.  Children are adjusted very gently, as chiropractors are trained to use specific and light techniques.  With an infant, the adjustment is barely a finger touch.

Our body is smart! A fever is a natural immune system response.  It’s the body’s raising of temperature that releases important weapons in the fight against pathogens and infections.  Lowering a fever suppresses the immune system, allowing the infection to multiply.  Only when a fever is very high should it be purposefully lowered.