Whether it’s Covid-19, dengue, or influenza, these infections caused by viruses have one thing in common—they cause your body temperature to rise beyond normal. What is it about infections and fever?  The body has a built in “military defense system” called the immune system, which is distributed all over the body. The main parts include the lymphatic system, where waste and toxins pass through to be excreted, as well as the white blood cells and antibodies, which are like soldiers. They detect invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and unwanted substances.  When the immune system detects these invaders, it gets activated in order to kill the microorganism. This activation is caused by increasing the body’s core temperature, resulting in fever. You see, it is more difficult for these pathogenic bacteria and virulent viruses to thrive in higher temperatures inside the body. Therefore, having a fever is not necessarily a bad thing. It is beneficial in fighting off infection.  Experts say that exercise is medicine. You know why? Because exercise increases the body’s core temperature. It promotes internal warming, which stimulates the immune system. Having a fever that is beyond 39.4 degrees Celsius, however, is dangerous. A fever reaching 41 degrees Celsius calls for an emergency. The body organs will get affected and begin to malfunction. This can trigger convulsions, a sudden and violent shaking of the body or parts of the body. Seek medical attention immediately if the temperature does not decrease from 39.4 even after taking antipyretics like paracetamol or ibuprofen. When you are nursing a fever, you need not just depend on medications to lower your temperature. You can do something at home to help your body temperature decrease so you feel better faster. One of the methods that is often neglected and considered outdated is a tepid sponge bad. Never underestimate the power of hydrotherapy. This is a method that uses water to treat a variety of symptoms, including fever. Apply a damp towel to areas that have blood vessels closer to the skin, such as the forehead, armpits, and groin area. This will help bring down the body temperature faster. Rapid lowering of body temperature, however, is not good. Therefore, do not use cold water or alcohol for sponge bath. Tepid water is around 32.2 degrees Celsius. It is lukewarm. Expose one area of the body at a time. For example, using a washcloth, wipe the left leg first, then ensure to cover it before proceeding to the right leg. Do not leave the entire body exposed after sponge bath as it will cause more discomfort and shivering. When the body temperature is high, the body uses up more water. We often sweat when we have a fever. Losing fluids through the skin can cause dehydration if we do not replenish what was lost. You may not have an appetite when you are ill but it is important to stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day. One sign of dehydration is dark colored urine. Your urine output must be light yellow or clear colored. Do not wait until you are dehydrated. Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty. Chances are, when your throat feels parched, you are already dehydrated. There are also some functional food and botanicals that you can take to lessen the duration of flu-like symptoms. They also often work as antipyretic or anti-fever.  Chrysanthemum flowers are dried to make tea; Salabat is a popular and soothing drink among Filipino families
Chrysanthemum 
It usually comes in the form of tea. This is rich in the phytochemicals carotenoids and yellow luteolin glucoside that can decrease inflammation and get rid of fever.

Ginger

  It can be boiled with water to make tea. Commonly known as salabat among Filipinos, it has antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria and viruses. It is also considered an anti-fever functional food. Goji Berry has anti-inflammatory properties; Elderberries can decrease the duration of your symptoms

Goji Berry

  It comes in dried fruit form, as juice, or powdered. If you are into traditional Chinese medicine’s yin and yang balance, this functional food is considered neutral. It neither heats nor cools the body. It is loaded with antioxidants known as anthocyanins, which support the immune system. It has antiviral properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties help naturally bring down the body temperature.

Elderberry

It usually comes in the form of tea, chewable, or capsule. Studies have shown that it can decrease the duration of flu-like symptoms, including fever.  Don’t take fever lightly. Help yourself achieve normal body temperature with these home remedies to get rid of fever faster.
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