The Truth About Fever: How Suppressing It with Paracetamol Can Harm You

Fever is often seen as an enemy—something to be suppressed at the first sign of a rising temperature. Parents worry when their child gets a fever, and many adults immediately reach for paracetamol to bring it down. But what if we told you that fever is actually a good thing?

Fever is a powerful, natural defense mechanism designed to help your body fight infections. In fact, research suggests that suppressing fever with paracetamol or ibuprofen may actually prolong illness, weaken the immune response, and lead to worse outcomes (Hasday et al., 2014).

Let’s explore what fever really does, how it helps the body, and why you might want to rethink reaching for fever-reducing medication.

What Is Fever and Why Does Your Body Create It?

Fever is not a disease but a response to infection. When viruses or bacteria invade, the immune system releases pyrogens, which tell the brain’s hypothalamus to raise body temperature.

Why? Because heat makes your immune system work better.

• Boosts immune response – Higher temperatures increase white blood cell production, improving the body’s ability to attack pathogens (Evans et al., 2015).

• Slows down virus and bacteria growth – Many pathogens thrive at normal body temperature but struggle to replicate when it’s higher (Mackowiak, 1998).

• Increases antibody production – Fever helps produce more antibodies, which are critical for long-term immunity (Hasday et al., 2014).

In short, fever is your body’s way of fighting infections more effectively.

The Hidden Dangers of Paracetamol (Acetaminophen)

Paracetamol (known as acetaminophen in the US) is widely used to reduce fever, but research suggests it might be doing more harm than good.

1. Fever Reduction Can Prolong Illness

Suppressing fever can actually make infections last longer:

• A 2015 study in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine found that taking paracetamol for influenza increased viral shedding, meaning patients stayed contagious for longer (Walsh et al., 2015).

• Another study found that reducing fever with medication increased bacterial growth in some infections, making them harder to fight (Doran et al., 1989).

2. Paracetamol May Increase Risk of Severe Infections

• A 2014 study in Critical Care found that patients with sepsis who received fever-reducing drugs had higher mortality rates than those who allowed fever to run its course (Schortgen et al., 2012).

• Animal studies show that when fever is artificially reduced, survival rates drop significantly in infections like pneumonia and meningitis (Kluger et al., 1975).

3. Paracetamol Depletes Glutathione, Affecting Liver Function

Glutathione is one of the body’s most important antioxidants, protecting cells from damage and supporting detoxification. Paracetamol reduces glutathione levels, which can weaken immune function and even cause liver damage with repeated use (Hinson et al., 2010).

This is why paracetamol overdose is one of the leading causes of liver failure worldwide (Prescott, 2000). Even at recommended doses, prolonged use can stress the liver.

When Should You Worry About Fever?

Fever is usually not dangerous and does not need treatment unless:

• It’s above 41°C (105.8°F) – Very rare and usually caused by heatstroke, not infection.

• The person is under 3 months old – Babies’ immune systems are immature, so high fever requires medical attention.

• There are signs of dehydration, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

For most people, supporting the body naturally is the best approach rather than suppressing the fever.

What to Do Instead of Taking Paracetamol?

Instead of immediately reducing fever, try:

✅ Homeopathy – Homeopathic remedies support the body’s natural healing response. Some well-known remedies for fever include:

• Belladonna – High fever with a flushed face, bright red skin, and heat radiating from the body.

• Aconite – Fever that comes on suddenly, especially after exposure to cold wind.

• Gelsemium – Fever with weakness, heavy limbs, and chills.

• Ferrum Phosphoricum – Low-grade fever and early-stage inflammation.

✅ Hydration – Drink water, herbal teas, or bone broth to prevent dehydration.

✅ Rest – The body heals best when it’s not using energy for other activities.

✅ Cool compresses – Applying a damp cloth to the forehead or wrists can bring comfort without interfering with fever.

✅ Nutrition – Light, nourishing foods like soups, fruits, and honey help the body recover.

For kids with fever, keeping them comfortable, well-hydrated, and monitored is often enough. Fever usually resolves on its own without intervention.

Conclusion: Fever Is Your Friend, Not Your Enemy

Fever is a natural and beneficial immune response, and suppressing it with paracetamol may prolong illness, increase complications, and weaken immune function. Unless there are serious symptoms, letting fever run its course while supporting the body naturally is often the best choice.

Next time you or your child has a fever, trust your body—it knows what it’s doing.

References

• Doran TF, De Angelis C, Baumgardner RA, Mellits ED. (1989). Fever and bacteremia in young children. JAMA, 262(3), 341-344.

• Evans SS, Repasky EA, Fisher DT. (2015). Fever and the thermal regulation of immunity: The immune system feels the heat. Nat Rev Immunol, 15(6), 335-349.

• Hasday JD, Fairchild KD, Shanholtz C. (2014). The role of fever in the infected host. Microbes Infect, 2(15), 1891-1904.

• Hinson JA, Roberts DW, James LP. (2010). Mechanisms of acetaminophen-induced liver necrosis. Handb Exp Pharmacol, (196), 369-405.

• Kluger MJ, Vaughn LK. (1975). Fever and survival in rabbits infected with Pasteurella multocida. J Physiol, 248(3), 547-560.

• Mackowiak PA. (1998). Fever: Blessing or curse? A unifying hypothesis. Ann Intern Med, 158(5), 374-376.

• Prescott LF. (2000). Paracetamol: past, present, and future. Am J Ther, 7(2), 143-147.

• Schortgen F, Clabault K, Katsahian S, et al. (2012). Fever control using external cooling in septic shock: A randomized controlled trial. Crit Care, 16(4), R69.

• Walsh M, McAuley DF, Rogers AJ, et al. (2015). The effects of antipyretic therapy upon outcomes in critically ill patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J R Soc Med, 108(10), 381-394.