What is a Fever?
A fever is a natural response to an infection or illness. It is a good sign, because it means that your body is fighting off the infection.
The heat of fevers increases the performance of immune cells and induces stress on pathogens and infected cells, providing a strong immune defense (1).
Why Let a Fever Do It's Job
Since fevers are the body’s natural way of fighting off illnesses, reducing a fever can actually prolong the illness or infection.
Fevers also make immune cells better at recruiting and activating T-cells which coordinate long-term “adaptive” immune responses, such as antibody production (2). By letting a fever run its course, you are also providing better protection for future illnesses.
When You Should Seek Medical Attention
A child under 3 months has a fever over 100.4 or exhibits any serious symptoms
A fever over 104
Fever for more than two consecutive days
Other symptoms like stiff neck, listlessness, or sensitivity to light
The person is unable to hold down food for more than a few hours or shows any signs of dehydration
Refusal to drink water
Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or any sign of respiratory distress (Seek immediate help)
The person has been exposed to toxins or poisons that may have caused the fever
Mother’s intuition says there is something more serious going on, even if the child appears fine
Source: Wellness Mama
Nighttime Rise
If you notice a fever rising at night, take a deep breath. You don’t need to immediately rush to the ER.
Fevers typically spike at night because there is less cortisol in the blood which means the white blood cells are on “high alert” and detect infection more easily (3). You should typically see a dip come morning.
Natural Comfort Measures
PEPPERMINT OIL
Fever: Peppermint oil can be used as a fever suppressant. Dilute 1-2 drops with 1/2-1 tsp coconut oil and apply to soles of feet and spine.
Headache: Apply directly to temples, forehead, behind hears, back of neck whenever you have a headache (if using on child dilute; or if adult has sensitive skin)
GARLIC HONEY
Come September we start a jar of fermented garlic honey in preparation for cold & flu season. If/when we begin to feel sick we begin taking a big spoonful daily (you can also eat the cloves directly).
Studies show that garlic helps fight colds and flus, and honey contains strong antioxidant, antibacterial, and antimicrobial properties that fight against viruses.
*Children under one should not consume honey.
LUKEWARM BATHS
A cold bath can cause shivering which can increase core body temperature. Instead, take a lukewarm bath. You can also add in epsom salt in order to help sooth aching muscles.
GENEXA ACETAMINOPHEN
If a fever suppressant becomes absolutely necessary, Genexa's Acetaminophen is free of artificial sweeteners, preservatives, dyes, parabens, and common allergies. They make acetaminophen for infants, kids, and adults.
Sources
1 Wrotek S, LeGrand EK,Dzialuk A, Alcock J. Let fever do its job: The meaning of fever in the pandemic era. Evol Med Public Health. 2020 Nov 23;9(1):26-35. doi: 10.1093/emph/eoaa044. PMID: 33738101; PMCID: PMC7717216.
2 Geddes L. The fever paradox. New Sci. 2020 Apr 11;246(3277):39-41. doi: 10.1016/S0262-4079(20)30731-4. Epub 2020 Apr 10. PMID: 32372807; PMCID: PMC7195085.
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