The wisdom of understanding how a fever can promote healing seems to have lost its appeal in recent years. Hawthorn Healing Arts Director, Dr. Joshua Phillips ND says that now more than ever, it’s time to come to terms with the body’s own healing mechanisms, including the role fever plays in healing – particularly important in the fight against COVID infections.

“Fever is an intelligent and adaptive response of the body to fight infection. In the COVID cases we are treating, the worst outcomes appear in patients who have been taking Tylenol during the first week of their infection. The early stage of the viral replication phase of a COVID infection is exactly when fever is most important, when it acts to potentially shorten the severity and duration of illness.”

Effects Of acetaminophen on patients hospitalized with COVID

Dr. Phillips is not alone in raising an alarm about the contrary effects Tylenol can play on COVID patients. A report released from the National Center for Biotechnology has demonstrated that the majority of patients with COVID-19 do develop fever (about 85 percent of all cases) and for most of these patients acetaminophen is used as a first line of treatment. This study showed that acetaminophen exposure was clearly associated with worse outcomes.

In another study that came out in May of 2020, the safety of ibuprofen in COVID-19 came into question when doctors reported worsening symptoms in previously healthy young adults. Researchers concluded that as fever may have benefit in shortening the duration of viral illness, “… it is plausible to hypothesize that the antipyretic efficacy of ibuprofen may be hindering the benefits of a fever response when taken during the early stages of COVID-19 illness.”

In the fight again COVID it is important to understand that fever is a normal regulated increase in the body temperature. It’s the body’s first and perhaps best defense against invading viruses. As the body’s temperature rises, this internal heat boosts the performance of immune cells, helping to disable the pathogens while challenging infected cells directly. In this sense, fever is a powerful immune defense against infections of all kinds, and particularly against COVID-19.

“White blood cells are more effective at fighting infection at higher body temperatures, when viruses and bacteria are less effective at replicating. A temperature of 100 -103 degrees is an optimal range for fighting an infection, and by taking a fever reducer we suppress the body’s ability to overcome the virus.

“Secondly, acetaminophen diminishes the body’s ability to keep up with glutathione production, something that is already depleted by a viral infection. This action further complicates the body’s self-healing mechanisms.” Glutathione is an antioxidant that occurs naturally in the cells of the body. It helps neutralize free radicals and reduce oxidative stress that can damage the body’s cells. Unlike most antioxidants, which come from plant sources, the human body naturally produces glutathione in the liver. (1)

So, unless evidence suggests otherwise, it is important to allow a fever to run its course, and to take more moderate measures to promote comfort in the early stages of an infection. Epsom salt baths is one such recommendation, as magnesium acts to relieve body aches. Using a cold compress on the head and neck can also provide much relief.

1) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326196

2) https://academic.oup.com/emph/article/9/1/26/5998648

Resources for readers: https://sa1s3.patientpop.com/assets/docs/158511.pdf