Feeling feverish when you’re sick can be uncomfortable, but it turns out that having a fever might actually help you get better. According to a few recent studies, fever can actually help fight infection and stimulate the immune system.
One study found that fever can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which help fight off infection. The study also found that fever can activate T cells, which play an important role in the immune response. These findings suggest that fever may help the body better fight off infection.
Another study found that fever can help immune cells called T cells move more quickly to the site of infection. The researchers found that T cells were able to move more quickly and efficiently when the body was at a higher temperature. This means that fever may help the immune system more effectively target and attack harmful pathogens.
Despite these findings, many people still reach for over-the-counter fever-reducing medications like Tylenol or Advil when they’re feeling sick. However, some doctors recommend letting a fever run its course in order to help the body fight off infection more effectively.
The evidence suggests that fever may play an important role in fighting infection and stimulating the immune system. So the next time you’re feeling feverish, try not to worry too much—it might just be your body’s way of fighting off illness. But as always, it’s important to listen to your body and seek medical attention if necessary.