What Is a Low Grade Fever?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
3. Fever and Infections
A fever can be greatly beneficial when there is an infection as it helps to stimulate the immune response in the body. The elevated temperature supports the immune system to gain an advantage over pathogens such as bacteria and viruses. The elevated temperature makes it a less favorable environment for the viruses and bacteria to replicate as these pathogens are temperature sensitive.
The hypothalamus is a small part of the brain that also functions as the body’s thermostat. The hypothalamus is triggered by pyrogens (a substance that triggers fever when released or introduced into the blood) produced by pathogens and body tissue. Once detected, the body generates and retains heat, resulting in a fever.
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