Title: Unraveling the Mystery of Fever’s Role in Fighting Viruses In recent years, scientists have been trying to understand how fever plays a role in our body’s immune response against viral infections. For centuries, there has been debate over whether fever is beneficial or harmful when it comes to fighting off illnesses. Ancient Greek physician Hippocrates believed that fever could help cook an infection out of the patient’s system, while others thought it was a separate illness that needed treatment itself. Today, researchers know that fever is part of our immune system’s response to pathogens and is shared among many animal species. However, precisely how fever helps in fighting off viruses remains unclear. There are two main theories: one suggests that the heat from a fever directly harms the virus, similar to Hippocrates’ hypothesis; another theory posits that elevated temperature serves as a means to an end – either boosting our immune system or being an unfortunate byproduct of combating infections. A recent study published in Science provides some insight into this mystery. Researchers at the University of Cambridge found evidence suggesting that, at least in mice, elevated temperatures alone can help fight off certain viruses. However, disentangling the effects of fever from those of the immune response is challenging due to their interconnected nature. This discovery adds another layer to our understanding of how fevers work within the body’s defense mechanisms against pathogens. While more research needs to be done before we fully comprehend the intricacies involved, this study brings us one step closer towards unlocking the secrets behind fever and its role in viral immunity. As a microbiologist myself, I find these findings fascinating because they challenge traditional beliefs about fevers being solely detrimental or harmful to our health during illnesses. Understanding how our bodies naturally respond to infections could lead to better treatments and preventive measures against various diseases. It’s exciting to see science uncovering the complexities of nature, reminding us that there is still so much left for us to learn about ourselves and the world around us.
Source: [Original Article](https://www.npr.org/2025/11/27/nx-s1-5620766/fevers-viruses-cold-flu)
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