Dr. Ana-Maria Temple explains that fevers boost antibody production and help fight infections. Lowering a fever interrupts this immune response and can actually prolong illness. She argues parents should reconsider routine fever suppression in children.
Parents panic over fevers, but here's the truth. As a holistic pediatrician, I love fevers. Fevers tell us that the immune system is working. When a virus invades the body, the body raises the thermostat because at higher temperatures, the body makes more antibodies. They're more efficient and they get to the place of infection faster. When we stomp down or lower fever, the body's immune system comes to a halt and the virus takes over and the child's illness goes on forever.
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