Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search
 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
Thu Mar 19, 2020, 11:17 AM Mar 2020

A word about the Acetominophen/Ibuprofen thing - "Let the fever do its job"

Don't get too keyed up over the thus-far unsupported theory about ibuprofen.

The bottom line is that fighting the fever - with anything - can be a bad choice.


https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/17/health/coronavirus-ibuprofen.html


Is Ibuprofen Really Risky for Coronavirus Patients?


But for infectious disease specialists, the greater concern is that when Nsaids and acetaminophen reduce fever, patients may be more comfortable but their lower temperatures can short-circuit the body’s main defense against infection.

Studies have found that if people infected with a variety of viruses and other microorganisms bring their fevers down, with Nsaids or with acetaminophen, their symptoms may last longer and they continue to shed virus for a longer time — meaning they may be contagious for longer periods.

...

The immune system works better when the body’s temperature is higher, enabling it to more efficiently kill viruses and bacteria. Dozens of studies — in animals, reptiles and humans — have found that fever is beneficial in fighting infections.


...


A drug like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can bring a fever down, but you don’t want to keep taking it constantly, said Dr. Marguerite Neill, an infectious disease expert at Brown University. Let the fever do its job.

“A single dose of an Nsaid when the temperature is 103 or 104 in an adult who has the flu — I’m not saying that’s wrong,” Dr. Neill said. “But don’t keep pumping it in if the fever is lower.”

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
A word about the Acetominophen/Ibuprofen thing - "Let the fever do its job" (Original Post) jberryhill Mar 2020 OP
I've heard that before about fevers. Turin_C3PO Mar 2020 #1
I've always suspected a fever was a good thing.... LAS14 Mar 2020 #2
Isn't The Fever Caused... ProfessorGAC Mar 2020 #3
That seems to be the thinking jberryhill Mar 2020 #5
Aside: Nice avatar jberryhill. Hugin Mar 2020 #4

Turin_C3PO

(14,004 posts)
1. I've heard that before about fevers.
Thu Mar 19, 2020, 11:20 AM
Mar 2020

Interesting. When I had the flu this January, I was a wuss and took NSAIDs and Acetaminophen for my fever. Maybe that’s why my illness lasted so long.

ProfessorGAC

(65,076 posts)
3. Isn't The Fever Caused...
Thu Mar 19, 2020, 11:23 AM
Mar 2020

...by the release of pyrogens by the immune system? The release of those is an indicator that the immune system is engaged. No?
So, pushing down the fever with an NSAID seems like it's treating the "inflammation" that are pyrogens fighting the virus.
I get if the fever gets dangerously high. But a mild fever might be best left alone.
If I'm remembering this right, it isn't the virus causing the fever, it's the fight against it that causing the T to rise.

 

jberryhill

(62,444 posts)
5. That seems to be the thinking
Thu Mar 19, 2020, 11:58 AM
Mar 2020

Of course, it can get ridiculously high, and any individual may have conditions for which it is not a good approach.

Hugin

(33,164 posts)
4. Aside: Nice avatar jberryhill.
Thu Mar 19, 2020, 11:26 AM
Mar 2020

I approve immensely.



Now, if you could just take a couple of steps back. I'd appreciate it.

Latest Discussions»General Discussion»A word about the Acetomin...