Dr Neil Gardner, Gleaner Writer If you are uncertain of the
source, you will probably boil water before you drink it. You do
this because raising the temperature kills the germs. What if
the body had a similar mechanism if we were infected with a
germ? We do have one, it is called a fever. A fever is an
increase of body temperature in response to pathogen invasion.
This increase in temperature kills many bacteria and viruses
that cannot live in temperature over 37C (98.6F), as the immune
cells divide and work faster to kill the pathogens. I am sorry
to be a 'Grinch', but while you spread the Christmas joy during
this season, you may be passing on infections due to proximity
in indoor gatherings. Many parents incorrectly believe that
fever is a disease rather than a medical sign and that any
temperature even briefly or slightly above the 'normal' is
harmful. This phenomenon, described as fever phobia, drives many
parents to unnecessarily medicate their child. This excessive
fear of fever is unfounded. It is no