A study from McMaster University published in the March issue of the Proceedings of the Royal Society B showed that fever-reducing drugs that include aspirin, Tylenol, and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, could lead to thousands of more cases of influenza and more deaths because of it. They pointed out that ill people may give off more virus when fever is reduced. We know that fever is a defense mechanism that helps lower the viral load in a sick person's body.
These scientists predicted that fever suppression would increase the number of cases of influenza and other viral illnesses by 5%. We need to remember that the best defense against a viral illness is a good offense that is centered in living a healthy lifestyle that includes diet, exercise, low stress, adequate sleep, avoidance of toxic exposures, and finding joy in life.
