How do fevers help the body fight off the flu? : NPR

Research from the University of Cambridge has found that elevated temperatures may aid in fighting certain viruses, particularly in the context of flu infections. Published in the journal Science, the study indicates that temperature alone can impact viral infections, specifically with an emphasis on avian influenza (bird flu). This work builds on historical contexts where fever was regarded variably; Hippocrates viewed it positively, suggesting it helps expel illness, while later practitioners treated it as a disease.

Sam Wilson, a microbiologist leading the research, highlights the challenge in separating fever’s direct effects from the broader immune response. The team used two strains of influenza—one adapted to birds, which have higher body temperatures, and a normal human strain. By manipulating the temperature in laboratory mice, they observed that mice infected with the standard influenza virus at elevated temperatures showed improved resistance compared to those with the heat-tolerant strain.

Experts in the field, such as Daniel Barreda from the University of Alberta, corroborated the findings, reinforcing that temperature plays a crucial role in the immune response. They emphasize, however, that the results in mice might not fully translate to human physiology, prompting further inquiries into fever management practices in clinical settings.