Antipyretic Fever Treatments May Cause More Flu Deaths
Study: Fever Treatments May Cause More Flu Deaths
http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2014/01/26/study-fever-treatments-may-cause-more-flu-deaths/
Fever Treatments May Cause More Flu Deaths
More flu cases
The researchers used information from various sources, including previous studies on humans and on ferrets, which provide one of the best animal models for studying influenza. The scientists then used a mathematical model looking at the increase in the amount of virus given off by a single person taking fever-reducing drugs; the model computed how much that increase would, in turn, increase the overall number of cases of flu. They modeled this for both a typical seasonal flu and a year when a new strain of influenza has caused a flu pandemic.
The results suggested that for seasonal influenza, suppressing fever can result in a 5 percent increase in the number of influenza cases and deaths. This would correspond to more than 1,000 additional deaths from influenza in a typical year across North America, according to the study. For a pandemic, the model predicts a 1 percent increase.
Read more:
https://www.livescience.com/42763-reducing-fever-kills-others.html
Antipyretic
Antipyretics (/ænti.paɪˈrɛ.tɪks/, from anti- 'against' and pyretic 'feverish') are substances that reduce fever.[1] Antipyretics cause the hypothalamus to override a prostaglandin-induced increase in temperature. The body then works to lower the temperature, which results in a reduction in fever.
Most antipyretic medications have other purposes. The most common antipyretics in the United States are ibuprofen and aspirin, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used primarily as analgesics (pain relievers), but which also have antipyretic properties; and acetaminophen (paracetamol), an analgesic with weak anti-inflammatory properties.[2]
There is some debate over the appropriate use of such medications, as fever is part of the body's immune response to infection.[3][4] A study published by the Royal Society claims fever suppression causes at least 1% more influenza cases of death in the United States would result in at least 700 extra deaths per year.[5]
Read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipyretic
J R Soc Med. 2010 Oct 1; 103(10): 403–411.
The effect on mortality of antipyretics in the treatment of influenza infection: systematic review and meta-analyis
Sally Eyers,1,2,3 Mark Weatherall,2,3 Philippa Shirtcliffe,1,2 Kyle Perrin,1,2 and Richard Beasley1,2,4
Summary
Objective
To determine whether antipyretic treatment for influenza infection influences the risk of mortality in animal models and humans.
Design
A systematic search of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials was undertaken to identify randomized placebo-controlled trials of antipyretic use in influenza infection in animal models or humans that reported mortality. A quantitative meta-analysis of the risk of death using Peto's one step odds ratio with calculation of the pooled risk of death and standard evaluation of heterogeneity was undertaken.
Setting
Not applicable.
Participants
Not applicable.
Main outcome measures
Risk of mortality associated with antipyretic use in influenza infection.
Results
Eight studies from three publications met the inclusion criteria. No human studies were identified. The risk of mortality was increased by antipyretic use in influenza-infected animals with a fixed effects pooled odds ratio of 1.34 (95% CI 1.04–1.73). An increased risk was observed with aspirin, paracetamol and diclofenac.
Conclusion
In animal models, treatment with antipyretics for influenza infection increases the risk of mortality. There are no randomized placebo-controlled trials of antipyretic use in influenza infection in humans that reported data on mortality and a paucity of clinical data by which to assess their efficacy. We suggest that randomized placebo-controlled trials of antipyretic use in human influenza infection are urgently required, and that these are sufficiently powered to investigate a potential effect on mortality.
Read more:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2951171/
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 145, Issue 4, 1 April 1982, Pages 520–524, https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/145.4.520
Fever in Ferrets Infected with Influenza Viruses of Differing Virulence
R. H. Husseini C. Sweet M. H. Collie H. Smith
Abstract
The effect of suppression of fever on viral levels in nasal washes of ferrets infected with either of two clones (7a, virulent; 64d, attenuated) of the recombinant influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34#x2013;A/England/939/69 (H3N2) was studied. The febrile response was reduced by shaving the ferrets or by treating them with sodium salicylate, which had no noticeable effect on the inflammatory response. For both clones, significantly more virus was shed in the nasal washes of ferrets whose febrile response was suppressed, and the viral levels decreased less rapidly than in untreated ferrets or in those in which the treatments were ineffective.
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article-abstract/145/4/520/862127
“UPDATE: I just had a fantastic conversation with the coroner, Dr. Hawk. Yes, he did tell the media that the girl did not overdose on Tylenol -- BUT -- he fully agrees that Tylenol was involved in her death. Influenza can make Tylenol more toxic. That she might not have died if not for the use of Tylenol. He is also concerned about flu deaths and Tamiflu. And the girl may also have been taking aspirin.
I said we need people to be told that Tylenol should not be given when flu suspected because of this danger and he agreed.
There is an opportunity here for real change. Anyone friends with Sharyl Attkinson? We need an in-depth story and for Dr. Hawk and other coroners to give interviews.
"The morning of Jan. 30, Molina succumbed to liver failure due to the flu, Hawk said.
Hawk stressed her death was not caused by an overdose of acetaminophen.
“[The flu] can get into the liver, by that acetaminophen or Tylenol is filtered out through the liver, and it can cause the liver function not to work well and that causes your acetaminophen level to rise,” Hawk said."
-Bernadette Pajer
LOCAL 15-YEAR-OLD FIRST PEDIATRIC FLU-RELATED DEATH IN GEORGIA
COWETA COUNTY, GA. – A 15-year-old girl from Coweta County has died from the flu.
Richard Hawk, the Coweta County coroner, confirmed the teen passed away from Influenza A on Tuesday after succumbing to liver failure.
Hawk said Kira Molina was the first pediatric flu death in Georgia this year.
The healthy 15-year-old began to feel ill on Jan. 25 and was taken to the doctor. A test for the flu came back negative and she was sent home.
Hawk said the Newnan High School student was still feeling ill on Jan. 27 but she continued to go about her daily routine.
It wasn’t until Jan. 28 her parents found her unresponsive and Molina was flown to Piedmont Newnan Hospital Emergency. Shortly after that, she was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
There, a flu test was retaken and found positive. Other tests revealed Molina also had liver failure.
The morning of Jan. 30, Molina succumbed to liver failure due to the flu, Hawk said.
Hawk stressed her death was not caused by an overdose of acetaminophen.
“[The flu] can get into the liver, by that acetaminophen or Tylenol is filtered out through the liver, and it can cause the liver function not to work well and that causes your acetaminophen level to rise,” Hawk said.
When asked about Molina’s false flu test, he said it’s found most tests are done rapidly, making them around 63% accurate.
“That means about one in three tests is going to have a false positive,” Hawk said.
Read more:
http://www.11alive.com/mobile/article/news/health/local-15-year-old-first-pediatric-flu-related-death-in-georgia/85-513167050
Don't suppress that fever! (and why I don't like Tylenol)
http://naturopathicpediatrics.com/2012/12/30/dont-suppress-that-fever/
Why You Should Stop Giving Your Kids Tylenol
https://www.livingwhole.org/why-you-should-stop-giving-your-kids-tylenol/
Fever Plays Vital Role in Immune Response
http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2011/11/fever-plays-vital-role-in-immune-response.aspx
Maryland Researchers Find Anti-Fever Drugs May Prolong Flu
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/12/001228090125.htm
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T TREAT A FEVER (MOST OF THE TIME)
A fever is not an illness in itself. Rather, it’s an important part of the healing process.”
Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections thrive best at normal body temperature (98.6°F). So, a fever (even a high one) is evidence that the immune system is hard at work literally burning off the infection. In most cases, a fever is part of the body’s natural response, and it should be allowed to run its course.
A lot of parents fear that a fever can cause brain damage to their children, but this a myth. According to the National Library of Medicine, brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6°F (42°C).
Untreated fevers caused by infection will very seldom go over 105°F unless the patient is overdressed, trapped in a hot place or has a pre-existing brain disorder. This is because the brain has an internal regulatory mechanism that prevents fevers caused by infections from getting higher than 105 or 106 degrees.
Only 4 percent of children have fever seizures—marked by a momentary loss of consciousness, eyes rolling back, shaking, twitching, or stiffening. Most febrile seizures are over quickly and do not mean your child has epilepsy or brain damage. Febrile seizures do not cause any permanent harm.
Fevers Boost the Immune System
The evidence for letting a fever run its course is substantial.
“Fever is the body’s normal response to infection—it’s a natural defense mechanism,” says Janice Sullivan, a professor of pediatric clinical care and clinical pharmacology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She says that a high temperature triggers the body’s production of infection-fighting white blood cells:
“If you lower the fever, you may be affecting the body’s ability to respond to that infection.”
Read more:
https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/why-you-shouldnt-treat-a-fever
NUTRITION
10 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/10-ways-to-strengthen-your-immune-system
Do You Make This Common Mistake When Your Child is Sick? (fever reducers)
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/02/03/the-benefits-of-fever.aspx
The relationship between early fever and allergic sensitization at age 6 to 7 years
Conclusion
This study provides direct support for the hygiene hypothesis because children with fevers before age 1 year were less likely to demonstrate allergic sensitivity at age 6 to 7 years.
Read more:
http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(03)02625-3/abstract
Pediatricians say it’s often better to let a child’s fever run its course (now, some Pediatricians and MD's may tell you that, but many are yet behind the times, as to that knowledge)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health/pediatricians-say-its-often-better-to-let-a-childs-fever-run-its-course/2011/04/11/AF6j0fkE_story.html?utm_term=.fb0007350cb8
Population-level effects of suppressing fever
David J. D. Earn, Paul W. Andrews, Benjamin M. Bolker
Abstract
Fever is commonly attenuated with antipyretic medication as a means to treat unpleasant symptoms of infectious diseases. We highlight a potentially important negative effect of fever suppression that becomes evident at the population level: reducing fever may increase transmission of associated infections. A higher transmission rate implies that a larger proportion of the population will be infected, so widespread antipyretic drug use is likely to lead to more illness and death than would be expected in a population that was not exposed to antipyretic pharmacotherapies. We assembled the published data available for estimating the magnitudes of these individual effects for seasonal influenza. While the data are incomplete and heterogeneous, they suggest that, overall, fever suppression increases the expected number of influenza cases and deaths in the US: for pandemic influenza with reproduction number Embedded Image, the estimated increase is 1% (95% CI: 0.0–2.7%), whereas for seasonal influenza with Embedded Image, the estimated increase is 5% (95% CI: 0.2–12.1%).
Read more:
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/281/1778/20132570.short?rss=1
Elevated body temperature helps certain types of immune cells to work better, evidence suggests
Summary:
With cold and flu season almost here, the next time you're sick, you may want to thank your fever for helping fight off infection. That's because scientists have found more evidence that elevated body temperature helps certain types of immune cells to work better.
Read more:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101130200.htm
Inflammation, Extracellular Mediators, & Effector Molecules
Differentiation of CD8+ T cells into effector cells is enhanced by physiological range hyperthermia
Abstract
In this study, we asked whether exposure to different physiologically relevant temperatures (33°C, 37°C, and 39.5°C) could affect subsequent antigen-specific, activation-related events of naive CD8+ T cells. We observed that temporary exposure of CD62LhiCD44lo Pmel-1 CD8+ cells to 39.5°C prior to their antigen-dependent activation with gp10025–33 peptide-pulsed C57BL/6 splenocytes resulted in a greater percentage of cells, which eventually differentiated into CD62LloCD44hi effector cells compared with cells incubated at 33°C and 37°C. However, the proliferation rate of naive CD8+ T cells was not affected by mild heating. While exploring these effects further, we observed that mild heating of CD8+ T cells resulted in the reversible clustering of GM1+ CD-microdomains in the plasma membrane. This could be attributable to a decrease in line tension in the plasma membrane, as we also observed an increase in membrane fluidity at higher temperatures. Importantly, this same clustering phenomenon was observed in CD8+ T cells isolated from spleen, LNs, and peripheral blood following mild whole-body heating of mice. Further, we observed that mild heating also resulted in the clustering of TCRβ and the CD8 coreceptor but not CD71R. Finally, we observed an enhanced rate of antigen-specific conjugate formation with APCs following mild heating, which could account for the difference in the extent of differentiation. Overall, these novel findings may help us to further understand the impact of physiologically relevant temperature shifts on the regulation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cell activation and the subsequent generation of effector cells.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1189/jlb.0511229/full
WHY YOU (USUALLY) SHOULDN’T TREAT A FEVER
No medication is without side effects. I worry about the long-term consequences of frequent doses of children’s pain and fever medication. Recalls have made parents skittish, and some studies suggest a possible link between acetaminophen and autism, asthma, and—when taken during pregnancy–ADHD. In addition, these medications—whether in liquid or chewable candy form—are full of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, ingredients that I try to avoid giving my children even when they are feeling well.
The fever helps the body heal. As I’ve already said, I think fevers are great for forcing otherwise active kids to rest when they need it most. But it seems a fever’s role in fighting illness is even more direct: evidence shows that fever is beneficial to the healing process, triggering the immune response and preventing viruses and bacteria from replicating. One study showed that flu sufferers who suppressed their fevers with medications were sick for more than three days longer than those who took no medication.
Fever reducers contribute to the spread of flu. Many well-meaning parents administer medication and then take their less symptomatic—but still highly contagious–kids out to public places, where they no doubt infect others. Moreover, recent studies suggest that artificially lowering a fever in flu patients increases viral shedding, meaning more flu is spread via infected coughs and sneezes. Researchers posit that in an average flu season, fever-reducing medications could lead to tens of thousands of extra flu cases, and at least a thousand flu deaths in North America alone. (Sources hyperlinked:)
Read more:
https://www.bewell.com/blog/why-you-usually-shouldn%E2%80%99t-treat-a-fever/
Fever
Fever is an important part of the body's defense against infection. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 98.6°F (37°C). Many infants and children develop high fevers with mild viral illnesses. Although a fever signals that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for, not against the person.
Brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6°F (42°C). Untreated fevers caused by infection will seldom go over 105°F (40.6°C) unless the child is overdressed or in a hot place.
Febrile seizures do occur in some children. Most febrile seizures are over quickly and do not mean your child has epilepsy. These seizures also do not cause any permanent harm.
Why You Should Stop Giving Your Kids Tylenol
Read more:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003090.htm
J Thorac Dis. 2015 Dec; 7(12): E633–E636.
Fever: suppress or let it ride?
Abstract
While our ability to detect and manage fever has evolved since its conceptualization in the 5th century BC, controversy remains over the best evidence-based practices regarding if and when to treat this physiologic derangement in the critically ill. There are two basic fields of thought: (I) fever should be suppressed because its metabolic costs outweigh its potential physiologic benefit in an already stressed host; vs. (II) fever is a protective adaptive response that should be allowed to run its course under most circumstances. The latter approach, sometime referred to as the “let it ride” philosophy, has been supported by several recent randomized controlled trials like that of Young et al. [2015], which are challenging earlier observational studies and may be pushing the pendulum away from the Pavlovian treatment response.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4703655/
How to Kill a Cold, Starve a Fever -- and When You Absolutely MUST See a Doctor
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/26/scary-symptoms-that-are-really-no-big-deal.aspx
Doctors Are Clueless About Medication for Kids
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/12/20/doctors-are-clueless-about-medication-for-kids.aspx
FDA Finally Changes Prescription Recommendations for High-Dose Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen—More Dangerous Than You Ever Suspected
FDA Admits: Too Much Acetaminophen Can Cause Liver Damage
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/03/26/acetaminophen-overdose.aspx
Should You Ever Take Tylenol?
What's the Number One Cause of Acute Liver Failure in the United States?
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/19/should-you-ever-take-tylenol.aspx
Taking Just a Little Too Much Tylenol Can Be Deadly
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/15/little-too-much-tylenol-can-be-deadly.aspx
Meds Killing Children - OTC Drug Kills, NAC Supplement Saves
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Accounts for Most Accidental Infant Poisonings
NAC Is an Antidote to Acetaminophen Overdose
Other Dangers Include Cough/Cold Meds, Ibuprofen, Diaper Rash Creams
These 7 Common Medications Can Be Deadly to Kids
5 Tips for Preventing Medication Poisoning
Top Natural Tylenol Alternatives
Read more:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/01/27/acetaminophen-infant-poisoning.aspx
Study: Fever Treatments May Cause More Flu Deaths
http://atlanta.cbslocal.com/2014/01/26/study-fever-treatments-may-cause-more-flu-deaths/
Fever Treatments May Cause More Flu Deaths
More flu cases
The researchers used information from various sources, including previous studies on humans and on ferrets, which provide one of the best animal models for studying influenza. The scientists then used a mathematical model looking at the increase in the amount of virus given off by a single person taking fever-reducing drugs; the model computed how much that increase would, in turn, increase the overall number of cases of flu. They modeled this for both a typical seasonal flu and a year when a new strain of influenza has caused a flu pandemic.
The results suggested that for seasonal influenza, suppressing fever can result in a 5 percent increase in the number of influenza cases and deaths. This would correspond to more than 1,000 additional deaths from influenza in a typical year across North America, according to the study. For a pandemic, the model predicts a 1 percent increase.
Read more:
https://www.livescience.com/42763-reducing-fever-kills-others.html
Antipyretic
Antipyretics (/ænti.paɪˈrɛ.tɪks/, from anti- 'against' and pyretic 'feverish') are substances that reduce fever.[1] Antipyretics cause the hypothalamus to override a prostaglandin-induced increase in temperature. The body then works to lower the temperature, which results in a reduction in fever.
Most antipyretic medications have other purposes. The most common antipyretics in the United States are ibuprofen and aspirin, which are nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used primarily as analgesics (pain relievers), but which also have antipyretic properties; and acetaminophen (paracetamol), an analgesic with weak anti-inflammatory properties.[2]
There is some debate over the appropriate use of such medications, as fever is part of the body's immune response to infection.[3][4] A study published by the Royal Society claims fever suppression causes at least 1% more influenza cases of death in the United States would result in at least 700 extra deaths per year.[5]
Read more:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipyretic
J R Soc Med. 2010 Oct 1; 103(10): 403–411.
The effect on mortality of antipyretics in the treatment of influenza infection: systematic review and meta-analyis
Sally Eyers,1,2,3 Mark Weatherall,2,3 Philippa Shirtcliffe,1,2 Kyle Perrin,1,2 and Richard Beasley1,2,4
Summary
Objective
To determine whether antipyretic treatment for influenza infection influences the risk of mortality in animal models and humans.
Design
A systematic search of Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials was undertaken to identify randomized placebo-controlled trials of antipyretic use in influenza infection in animal models or humans that reported mortality. A quantitative meta-analysis of the risk of death using Peto's one step odds ratio with calculation of the pooled risk of death and standard evaluation of heterogeneity was undertaken.
Setting
Not applicable.
Participants
Not applicable.
Main outcome measures
Risk of mortality associated with antipyretic use in influenza infection.
Results
Eight studies from three publications met the inclusion criteria. No human studies were identified. The risk of mortality was increased by antipyretic use in influenza-infected animals with a fixed effects pooled odds ratio of 1.34 (95% CI 1.04–1.73). An increased risk was observed with aspirin, paracetamol and diclofenac.
Conclusion
In animal models, treatment with antipyretics for influenza infection increases the risk of mortality. There are no randomized placebo-controlled trials of antipyretic use in influenza infection in humans that reported data on mortality and a paucity of clinical data by which to assess their efficacy. We suggest that randomized placebo-controlled trials of antipyretic use in human influenza infection are urgently required, and that these are sufficiently powered to investigate a potential effect on mortality.
Read more:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2951171/
The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Volume 145, Issue 4, 1 April 1982, Pages 520–524, https://doi.org/10.1093/infdis/145.4.520
Fever in Ferrets Infected with Influenza Viruses of Differing Virulence
R. H. Husseini C. Sweet M. H. Collie H. Smith
Abstract
The effect of suppression of fever on viral levels in nasal washes of ferrets infected with either of two clones (7a, virulent; 64d, attenuated) of the recombinant influenza virus A/Puerto Rico/8/34#x2013;A/England/939/69 (H3N2) was studied. The febrile response was reduced by shaving the ferrets or by treating them with sodium salicylate, which had no noticeable effect on the inflammatory response. For both clones, significantly more virus was shed in the nasal washes of ferrets whose febrile response was suppressed, and the viral levels decreased less rapidly than in untreated ferrets or in those in which the treatments were ineffective.
https://academic.oup.com/jid/article-abstract/145/4/520/862127
“UPDATE: I just had a fantastic conversation with the coroner, Dr. Hawk. Yes, he did tell the media that the girl did not overdose on Tylenol -- BUT -- he fully agrees that Tylenol was involved in her death. Influenza can make Tylenol more toxic. That she might not have died if not for the use of Tylenol. He is also concerned about flu deaths and Tamiflu. And the girl may also have been taking aspirin.
I said we need people to be told that Tylenol should not be given when flu suspected because of this danger and he agreed.
There is an opportunity here for real change. Anyone friends with Sharyl Attkinson? We need an in-depth story and for Dr. Hawk and other coroners to give interviews.
"The morning of Jan. 30, Molina succumbed to liver failure due to the flu, Hawk said.
Hawk stressed her death was not caused by an overdose of acetaminophen.
“[The flu] can get into the liver, by that acetaminophen or Tylenol is filtered out through the liver, and it can cause the liver function not to work well and that causes your acetaminophen level to rise,” Hawk said."
-Bernadette Pajer
LOCAL 15-YEAR-OLD FIRST PEDIATRIC FLU-RELATED DEATH IN GEORGIA
COWETA COUNTY, GA. – A 15-year-old girl from Coweta County has died from the flu.
Richard Hawk, the Coweta County coroner, confirmed the teen passed away from Influenza A on Tuesday after succumbing to liver failure.
Hawk said Kira Molina was the first pediatric flu death in Georgia this year.
The healthy 15-year-old began to feel ill on Jan. 25 and was taken to the doctor. A test for the flu came back negative and she was sent home.
Hawk said the Newnan High School student was still feeling ill on Jan. 27 but she continued to go about her daily routine.
It wasn’t until Jan. 28 her parents found her unresponsive and Molina was flown to Piedmont Newnan Hospital Emergency. Shortly after that, she was flown to Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston.
There, a flu test was retaken and found positive. Other tests revealed Molina also had liver failure.
The morning of Jan. 30, Molina succumbed to liver failure due to the flu, Hawk said.
Hawk stressed her death was not caused by an overdose of acetaminophen.
“[The flu] can get into the liver, by that acetaminophen or Tylenol is filtered out through the liver, and it can cause the liver function not to work well and that causes your acetaminophen level to rise,” Hawk said.
When asked about Molina’s false flu test, he said it’s found most tests are done rapidly, making them around 63% accurate.
“That means about one in three tests is going to have a false positive,” Hawk said.
Read more:
http://www.11alive.com/mobile/article/news/health/local-15-year-old-first-pediatric-flu-related-death-in-georgia/85-513167050
Don't suppress that fever! (and why I don't like Tylenol)
http://naturopathicpediatrics.com/2012/12/30/dont-suppress-that-fever/
Why You Should Stop Giving Your Kids Tylenol
https://www.livingwhole.org/why-you-should-stop-giving-your-kids-tylenol/
Fever Plays Vital Role in Immune Response
http://www.infectioncontroltoday.com/news/2011/11/fever-plays-vital-role-in-immune-response.aspx
Maryland Researchers Find Anti-Fever Drugs May Prolong Flu
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2000/12/001228090125.htm
WHY YOU SHOULDN’T TREAT A FEVER (MOST OF THE TIME)
A fever is not an illness in itself. Rather, it’s an important part of the healing process.”
Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections thrive best at normal body temperature (98.6°F). So, a fever (even a high one) is evidence that the immune system is hard at work literally burning off the infection. In most cases, a fever is part of the body’s natural response, and it should be allowed to run its course.
A lot of parents fear that a fever can cause brain damage to their children, but this a myth. According to the National Library of Medicine, brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6°F (42°C).
Untreated fevers caused by infection will very seldom go over 105°F unless the patient is overdressed, trapped in a hot place or has a pre-existing brain disorder. This is because the brain has an internal regulatory mechanism that prevents fevers caused by infections from getting higher than 105 or 106 degrees.
Only 4 percent of children have fever seizures—marked by a momentary loss of consciousness, eyes rolling back, shaking, twitching, or stiffening. Most febrile seizures are over quickly and do not mean your child has epilepsy or brain damage. Febrile seizures do not cause any permanent harm.
Fevers Boost the Immune System
The evidence for letting a fever run its course is substantial.
“Fever is the body’s normal response to infection—it’s a natural defense mechanism,” says Janice Sullivan, a professor of pediatric clinical care and clinical pharmacology at the University of Louisville School of Medicine. She says that a high temperature triggers the body’s production of infection-fighting white blood cells:
“If you lower the fever, you may be affecting the body’s ability to respond to that infection.”
Read more:
https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/why-you-shouldnt-treat-a-fever
NUTRITION
10 WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
https://www.smallfootprintfamily.com/10-ways-to-strengthen-your-immune-system
Do You Make This Common Mistake When Your Child is Sick? (fever reducers)
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/02/03/the-benefits-of-fever.aspx
The relationship between early fever and allergic sensitization at age 6 to 7 years
Conclusion
This study provides direct support for the hygiene hypothesis because children with fevers before age 1 year were less likely to demonstrate allergic sensitivity at age 6 to 7 years.
Read more:
http://www.jacionline.org/article/S0091-6749(03)02625-3/abstract
Pediatricians say it’s often better to let a child’s fever run its course (now, some Pediatricians and MD's may tell you that, but many are yet behind the times, as to that knowledge)
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health/pediatricians-say-its-often-better-to-let-a-childs-fever-run-its-course/2011/04/11/AF6j0fkE_story.html?utm_term=.fb0007350cb8
Population-level effects of suppressing fever
David J. D. Earn, Paul W. Andrews, Benjamin M. Bolker
Abstract
Fever is commonly attenuated with antipyretic medication as a means to treat unpleasant symptoms of infectious diseases. We highlight a potentially important negative effect of fever suppression that becomes evident at the population level: reducing fever may increase transmission of associated infections. A higher transmission rate implies that a larger proportion of the population will be infected, so widespread antipyretic drug use is likely to lead to more illness and death than would be expected in a population that was not exposed to antipyretic pharmacotherapies. We assembled the published data available for estimating the magnitudes of these individual effects for seasonal influenza. While the data are incomplete and heterogeneous, they suggest that, overall, fever suppression increases the expected number of influenza cases and deaths in the US: for pandemic influenza with reproduction number Embedded Image, the estimated increase is 1% (95% CI: 0.0–2.7%), whereas for seasonal influenza with Embedded Image, the estimated increase is 5% (95% CI: 0.2–12.1%).
Read more:
http://rspb.royalsocietypublishing.org/content/281/1778/20132570.short?rss=1
Elevated body temperature helps certain types of immune cells to work better, evidence suggests
Summary:
With cold and flu season almost here, the next time you're sick, you may want to thank your fever for helping fight off infection. That's because scientists have found more evidence that elevated body temperature helps certain types of immune cells to work better.
Read more:
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101130200.htm
Inflammation, Extracellular Mediators, & Effector Molecules
Differentiation of CD8+ T cells into effector cells is enhanced by physiological range hyperthermia
Abstract
In this study, we asked whether exposure to different physiologically relevant temperatures (33°C, 37°C, and 39.5°C) could affect subsequent antigen-specific, activation-related events of naive CD8+ T cells. We observed that temporary exposure of CD62LhiCD44lo Pmel-1 CD8+ cells to 39.5°C prior to their antigen-dependent activation with gp10025–33 peptide-pulsed C57BL/6 splenocytes resulted in a greater percentage of cells, which eventually differentiated into CD62LloCD44hi effector cells compared with cells incubated at 33°C and 37°C. However, the proliferation rate of naive CD8+ T cells was not affected by mild heating. While exploring these effects further, we observed that mild heating of CD8+ T cells resulted in the reversible clustering of GM1+ CD-microdomains in the plasma membrane. This could be attributable to a decrease in line tension in the plasma membrane, as we also observed an increase in membrane fluidity at higher temperatures. Importantly, this same clustering phenomenon was observed in CD8+ T cells isolated from spleen, LNs, and peripheral blood following mild whole-body heating of mice. Further, we observed that mild heating also resulted in the clustering of TCRβ and the CD8 coreceptor but not CD71R. Finally, we observed an enhanced rate of antigen-specific conjugate formation with APCs following mild heating, which could account for the difference in the extent of differentiation. Overall, these novel findings may help us to further understand the impact of physiologically relevant temperature shifts on the regulation of antigen-specific CD8+ T cell activation and the subsequent generation of effector cells.
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1189/jlb.0511229/full
WHY YOU (USUALLY) SHOULDN’T TREAT A FEVER
No medication is without side effects. I worry about the long-term consequences of frequent doses of children’s pain and fever medication. Recalls have made parents skittish, and some studies suggest a possible link between acetaminophen and autism, asthma, and—when taken during pregnancy–ADHD. In addition, these medications—whether in liquid or chewable candy form—are full of artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, ingredients that I try to avoid giving my children even when they are feeling well.
The fever helps the body heal. As I’ve already said, I think fevers are great for forcing otherwise active kids to rest when they need it most. But it seems a fever’s role in fighting illness is even more direct: evidence shows that fever is beneficial to the healing process, triggering the immune response and preventing viruses and bacteria from replicating. One study showed that flu sufferers who suppressed their fevers with medications were sick for more than three days longer than those who took no medication.
Fever reducers contribute to the spread of flu. Many well-meaning parents administer medication and then take their less symptomatic—but still highly contagious–kids out to public places, where they no doubt infect others. Moreover, recent studies suggest that artificially lowering a fever in flu patients increases viral shedding, meaning more flu is spread via infected coughs and sneezes. Researchers posit that in an average flu season, fever-reducing medications could lead to tens of thousands of extra flu cases, and at least a thousand flu deaths in North America alone. (Sources hyperlinked:)
Read more:
https://www.bewell.com/blog/why-you-usually-shouldn%E2%80%99t-treat-a-fever/
Fever
Fever is an important part of the body's defense against infection. Most bacteria and viruses that cause infections in people thrive best at 98.6°F (37°C). Many infants and children develop high fevers with mild viral illnesses. Although a fever signals that a battle might be going on in the body, the fever is fighting for, not against the person.
Brain damage from a fever generally will not occur unless the fever is over 107.6°F (42°C). Untreated fevers caused by infection will seldom go over 105°F (40.6°C) unless the child is overdressed or in a hot place.
Febrile seizures do occur in some children. Most febrile seizures are over quickly and do not mean your child has epilepsy. These seizures also do not cause any permanent harm.
Why You Should Stop Giving Your Kids Tylenol
Read more:
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003090.htm
J Thorac Dis. 2015 Dec; 7(12): E633–E636.
Fever: suppress or let it ride?
Abstract
While our ability to detect and manage fever has evolved since its conceptualization in the 5th century BC, controversy remains over the best evidence-based practices regarding if and when to treat this physiologic derangement in the critically ill. There are two basic fields of thought: (I) fever should be suppressed because its metabolic costs outweigh its potential physiologic benefit in an already stressed host; vs. (II) fever is a protective adaptive response that should be allowed to run its course under most circumstances. The latter approach, sometime referred to as the “let it ride” philosophy, has been supported by several recent randomized controlled trials like that of Young et al. [2015], which are challenging earlier observational studies and may be pushing the pendulum away from the Pavlovian treatment response.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4703655/
How to Kill a Cold, Starve a Fever -- and When You Absolutely MUST See a Doctor
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2010/10/26/scary-symptoms-that-are-really-no-big-deal.aspx
Doctors Are Clueless About Medication for Kids
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2007/12/20/doctors-are-clueless-about-medication-for-kids.aspx
FDA Finally Changes Prescription Recommendations for High-Dose Acetaminophen
Acetaminophen—More Dangerous Than You Ever Suspected
FDA Admits: Too Much Acetaminophen Can Cause Liver Damage
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2014/03/26/acetaminophen-overdose.aspx
Should You Ever Take Tylenol?
What's the Number One Cause of Acute Liver Failure in the United States?
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/07/19/should-you-ever-take-tylenol.aspx
Taking Just a Little Too Much Tylenol Can Be Deadly
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/12/15/little-too-much-tylenol-can-be-deadly.aspx
Meds Killing Children - OTC Drug Kills, NAC Supplement Saves
Acetaminophen (Tylenol) Accounts for Most Accidental Infant Poisonings
NAC Is an Antidote to Acetaminophen Overdose
Other Dangers Include Cough/Cold Meds, Ibuprofen, Diaper Rash Creams
These 7 Common Medications Can Be Deadly to Kids
5 Tips for Preventing Medication Poisoning
Top Natural Tylenol Alternatives
Read more:
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/01/27/acetaminophen-infant-poisoning.aspx
