Why people have fever?

Have you ever experienced that feeling when your body feels like it’s burning up? When even the slightest touch makes you feel uncomfortable and looks at you, fearing that they might catch something contagious? Yes, my friend fever is responsible for all these perceptions. But why do people have fever? We’ll explain everything to you in this article.

What is a fever?

Before we start answering this question, let’s quickly understand what a fever is. A fever, scientifically known as pyrexia, refers to an increase in body temperature above the normal range of 36-37 degrees Celsius (96.8-100.4 Fahrenheit).

Different Types of Fevers

There are two types of fevers: low grade and high grade fever.

Low Grade Fever

A low-grade fever typically ranges between 99°F (37°C) and 100.4°F (38°C)

High Grade Fever

A high-grade fever occurs when a person’s body temperature rises above 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Well now that we know what a fever is, let’s answer the exciting part:

Why Do People Have Fevers?

Believe it or not – everyone has had a high or low-grade fever sometime in their life span! However here are some common reasons why our bodies develop a fever:

The Battles Against Illness That Cause Fevers

When harmful toxins/infections enter our bloodstream/when certain immune responses occur in our bodies during illness – such as flu/cold/acne flare-ups/the influenza virus (flu) – can cause fevers. Our bodies recognize microbes/pathogens as foreign invaders & try to eliminate them from spreading by creating white blood cells called leukocytes which releases chemicals like Interleukin-1β which communicates with hypothalamus( part of brain-induced control centre for thermoregulation) to regulate body temperature.

Fevers and Medications

Antibiotics can sometimes make you feel feverish as your immune system responds to the medication fighting the infection. It usually self-regulates after a few hours!

The Stress of Exercise or Physical Activity Causes Fevers

A high-intensity, long-duration workout/physically demanding activity could spike up one’s core temperature raising it above normal for some time due to muscle stress or heatstroke/strenuous work that increases metabolism. But hey, exercise is good though!

Symptoms Seen During a Fever

Fever symptoms are unpleasant and may vary from person to person. Some common ones include:

  • Headaches which might leave uncomfortable pressure in one’s head area.
  • Chills when the body tends to shiver because of sudden changes in our thermoregulation mechanisms.
  • Muscle ache Because cytokine triggers hypothalamus of brain causing its effect on muscles
  • Exhaustion/dizziness/fatigue Many experience feelings similar to tiredness A higher-than-usual heart rate
  • Dehydration: You tend sweating more during a fever episode so need keeping yourself hydrated with ample water amounts.

To Summarize
Despite being seen as alarming by many people -fever is not always bad! Our bodies use this increase in temperature as an attempt at kicking undesired toxins/infections out-and help initiate specific responses (white blood cells) aimed towards protecting our well-being.So don’t fret too much about having a fever every once awhile –our bodies know what they’re doing(Wink Wink)

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