How does a fever work? The fever process works like this: the child develops an infection, to which the body responds by making additional leukocytes (white blood cells). These cells fight the infection by destroying the bacteria and viruses then removing the dead tissue. The activity level of the white blood cells is also increased as they move rapidly to the site of infection. This is called leucotaxis, and is activated by the release of pyrogens that raise the body temperature. Metabolic rate and oxygen consumption increases. An increase in body temperature simply means that the process of healing is speeding up. Also, iron, which bacteria need to survive, is removed from the blood and stored in the liver. This reduces the rate at which the bacteria multiply. As this whole process of defense in the body progresses, a substance called interferon becomes more effective and aids in the fight of the infection. Because a fever is regulated by the body, it rarely, if ever, reaches a level that would be hazardous to the child. Studies show that reducing a fever may not be in the best interest of the child. In such diseases as chicken pox or influenza, a deadly form of Reye’s syndrome may result if the child is given aspirin. Because of this, the centers for Disease control and the Committee on Infectious Diseases of the American Academy of Pediatrics now warn against giving aspirin to children. When a fever is artificially suppressed by any method, the body’s defense system is not activated.

Antibiotic Therapy. A report in the Pediatrics Infectious Disease Journal evaluated the use of antibiotic therapy in the treatment of strep throat and ear infections. The researchers compared two groups, the first one given the antibiotic immediately after the symptoms occurred, and the other group receiving delayed treatment or none at all. In the immediately treated group, the symptoms (fever, sore throat, painful swallowing, headache, abdominal pain, swollen glands, lethargy, irritability, and loss of appetite) lessened, and recovery time was reduced. But when the treatment was delayed or not administered at all, there were fewer recurrent episodesof strep and ear infections. Over a four month period, the children who were given the antibiotic immediately when the symptoms first occurred experienced two and a half times more bouts with strep throat. Similar results were reported for ear infections when treated immediately; those that received antibiotics immediately had more ear infections than those with delayed treatment or no treatment at all. The researchers concluded that when antibiotics were delayed or not given, children were able to build natural immunity. Parents should help their children understand that a fever is a natural, necessary part of healing and not a disease or sickness within itself. A fever should be monitored and not suppressed unnecessarily. The fever should be allowed to activate the child'’ immune system. This will give her/him the best opportunity to fight off future infections. If your child has a fever and acts abnormally, call your chiropractor. Your child may be suffering from a subluxation that is interfering with normal body function. This can cause a high body temperature. A child’s room should be comfortable with plenty of fresh air. Dress the child in cotton so that her/his skin may breathe and perspiration will be drawn away form the body. Fevers commonly cause the child to lose a significant amount of fluid. This may lead to dehydration; to avert this process have the child drink plenty of fluids; about 8 ounces and hour. Do not allow the child to become cold, as shivering will increase muscular activity and in turn increase body temperature. This is a good time to sit with your child and read or talk quietly.