Why do people get fevers?
Fever is part of the body’s way of fighting infection. Macrophages, the “clean-up” cells of the body, are constantly on patrol. When they find something that doesn’t belong — such as a virus, bacterium or fungus — they mop up as much as they can. At the same time, they call for help, signalling to the brain to raise the body’s temperature. The heat kills some types of bacteria directly. It also seems to speed up the body’s production of white blood cells and chemicals that kill germs. Babies often get fevers after receiving immunisations; a fever may also accompany a severe cold, flu, sore throat, ear infection, respiratory illness (such as pneumonia), croup, viral illness, and urinary tract infections.
