New research from the University of Alberta suggests potential health benefits from allowing mild fevers to run their natural course instead of immediately treating them with medication. The study focused on fish, where untreated moderate fever led to quicker infection clearance, improved inflammation regulation, and enhanced tissue repair. Immunologist Daniel Barreda, the study’s lead author, emphasizes the need for further research in humans but posits that similar advantages may exist due to shared biological mechanisms across species. The findings encourage resistance against the habitual use of over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs at the onset of fever, noting that while these medications alleviate discomfort, they might also hinder some natural immune responses. The study explored fish behavior using a custom swim chamber, recording symptoms mirroring those observed in humans, such as fatigue and malaise, and linked these to immune mechanisms. Results indicated that natural fever efficiently activates defenses against infections, controlling inflammation and significantly speeding up recovery. Barreda aims to integrate insights from this study into medical practices while still leveraging the natural mechanisms of immunity. The research findings were published in the journal eLife in March 2023.
