It’s December and we all dread the return of the flu season! So when those aches, chills, fever set in, it’s tempting to pop something to lower the fever so we can feel better fast.
But current-thinking supports the idea that suppressing a fever due to viral or bacterial infections with meds may not always be the best approach. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8698984
In fact, fever turns out to be an excellent example of our “homeostatic mechanisms” at work. It is now considered an “adaptive response”, part of our body’s natural defense mechanism to microbial invasion.
Infection with a virus, bacteria (or its toxins), triggers the release of “cytokines” (immune regulating chemicals, like interferon, interleukin and tumor necrosis factor).
It is these cytokines that kill our appetite, cause muscle aches and fatigue and activate our immune system to raise our body temp so our white blood cells can more effectively reign in the foreign invader.
Here’s how it works in nature: when a sick animal develops a fever, it stops eating and instead drinks water and sleeps. This is observed in all vertebrates!
Like other animals, the best thing we humans can do when a fever sets in is to temporarily stop eating and instead drink pure water, diluted vegetable and fruit and juices and electrolyte-rich broth and head to bed.
It seems our modern culture has forgotten this age-old wisdom. Instead, we’ve been trained to fear a fever and to immediately slug down a shot of something to reduce it so we can get back to work!
But when a fever is properly supported rather than suppressed, it comes down naturally as our immune system develops antibodies to the offending microorganisms.
If that response is thwarted by a ”pain reliever” that lowers the temperature (usually aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen) before the fever’s work is done, the invading organism may not be fully eradicated, the temperature may spike even higher later and complete healing can be delayed.
When we rest and support the body with water, teas and broths, the immune system is better able to win its battle and stop the progression into a longer, more severe infection.
So the bottom line is that fever is our friend: it’s a natural process that should be monitored and supported, not suppressed unless the temperature does not fall naturally within a few days.
When a temperature is sustained at 102-104 for more than 24 hours, discuss your condition with your doctor. Most fevers will fall naturally during that time as the immune system effectively deals with the infectious agent.
An extended fever in excess of 104.0 degrees increases the risk of damaging the brain and medical attention should be sought. Anytime repeated vomiting or twitching accompanies fever, get medical attention immediately.
The greatest concern is the possibility of meningitis (an inflammation of the meninges, the membrane that surrounds the brain and spinal cord). A fever of 104 degrees or more, with a headache, vomiting, confusion and often a painful, stiff neck characterizes meningitis. In this case, seek immediate medical attention.
Sepsis, heat stroke, dehydration, trauma, malignancy, metabolic disorders, toxic agents and or extreme exercise may also cause fever. If you suspect any of these conditions, seek medical attention immediately.
And of course, the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals (with cancer or AIDs) may be too weak to generate a fever and must be monitored carefully when acutely ill.
Remember, Nature knows how to heal. Supporting a fever to run its course is an opportunity to allow our body’s natural healing processes to prevail.
Isn’t it time we bring balance back into our lives and support the processes that restore health?
Next time you feel the flu coming on, I hope you’ll practice these simple self-care strategies and observe how your body responds. With a little TLC and patience, we can get back on our feet again more quickly!
Dr. Sally’s Top 10 Tips for the Prevention of Flu (and Colds)
1. Avoid touching “fomites”:
All those surfaces covered in microbes, like pens, keypads, doorknobs, stair rails, handles, faucets, etc. Wash your hands for 30 seconds under hot running water several times a day during this season.
2. Ditch the toxins that hinder the immune response:
Skip sugar, alcohol, coffee, and processed foods when sick.
3. Semi-fast and stay hydrated:
When feverish, eat lightly or better yet, do a brief fast with water, warm tea and chicken soup. https://www.drsallyskitchen.com/dr-sallys-chicken-soup
4. Load up on vitamin C at the first sign of a chill or fever.
Take a 1,000-mg. packet of powdered vitamin C every few hours while sick.
5. Get some Sunshine Vitamin D:
During the winter months, take 2,000-5,000 i.u. of Vitamin D3 daily from the fall to spring equinox. Have your 25(OH) Vitamin D levels checked in the fall and strive for levels between 50-80 ng/dl.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16959053?dopt=Citation
6. Pop some Echinacea:
This herb activates immune system and reduces severity and duration of symptoms.
7. Sip some elderberry tea or tincture:
Elderberry has been shown to inhibit several strains of the flu virus, activates immune response and reduces severity and duration of flu. http://cms.herbalgram.org/heg/volume7/files/Elderberry.pdf
8. Oscillococcinum:
Try this German homeopathic at the first hint of flu symptoms. It’s great to take on a flight to protect against the flu and colds.
9. Take a short hot bath (10 min.), then bundle up and jump to bed to sweat it out.
Yes, it may be uncomfortable, but it feels so good to break through the fever with sweats, as the immune system wins the battle and you come out well!
10. Just REST, please?
Give yourself a break and stay in bed when you’re sick; it is exactly what your body needs to recuperate. Stay home for 24 hours after your fever breaks.