Myth #12: Let The Fever Run Its Course

I've seen a great number of patients who run to the ER with acute respiratory tract infection or UTI. On interview, they admit that they have had a temperature for several days and basically shrugged it off.

Fever is often the first symptom of many types of illnesses including infections and autoimmune diseases. While it is true that many causes of hyperthermia are relatively benign and eventually resolve on their own, fever should never be taken for granted.

A thorough investigation is sometimes needed to determine whether the symptom is trivial or indicative of something more serious. Therefore, a doctor's consult is highly advisable.

You also shouldn't have to suffer the discomfort caused by an elevated temperature, so take an over-the-counter antipyretic drug like acetaminophen / paracetamol unless you have a known allergy to it. Taking a bath also helps to bring down your temperature.

In this day and age, fever is not something to be ignored. Even a simple flu, if it is caused by a new virus strain such as H1N1, can kill. Stay tuned.