The Importance of Having a Fever: COVID-19
A fever is the body's immune response to a "pathogen". When a pathogen enters the body the body expresses a fever in order to "burn" the pathogen and kill it. In the same way we cook food or boil water to kill anything harmful to us, the body produces a fever.
Fevers are not comfortable; in fact, they can be extremely uncomfortable. One can feel tired, weak, hot and cold, sweaty, and sometimes delirious. This does not mean fevers are negative. The body is working quite hard to clear the pathogen so that it does not go deeper and create a more severe illness.
The discomfort and need to lie in bed is important because the body needs all available energy to go toward "attacking the pathogen." A fever without other symptoms that lasts 3 to 4 days, comes and goes, and gradually reduces over time, is usually not a cause for concern.
It is important to let a fever run its course. If we use medication to reduce a fever we suppress the body's innate function of the immune system and decrease the its ability to fight off pathogens. If we repeatedly do this, it is possible the body will no longer be able to create a fever when necessary.
Plenty of sleep, fluids and easily digestible foods are important during a fever. Kampo Herbal Medicine is useful in supporting a person who has a fever.
A fever may present with someone infected with the Coronavirus. Recently, multiple sources, especially French physicians, have noticed that taking ibuprofen with the Coronavirus may make symptoms worse. Ibuprofen is used to treat pain, fever and inflammation. In fact any anti-inflammatory medicine used to artificially reduce a fever may make symptoms worse.
If you are experiencing symptoms of a cold or flu and are interested in using Kampo Herbal Medicine in tandem with conventional medicine to treat your symptoms, I am available for consultation via Jane.
Disclaimer:
This and all information mentioned on this website is for informational and educational purposes only. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and should not be used as a substitute for consulting a licensed medical practitioner. If you feel you are ill or have been exposed to COVID-19 be sure to contact your primary healthcare provider immediately and follow the advice of local, state, and national guidelines.