how to reduce fever

When it comes to reducing fever, it's important to understand that fever often serves as an adaptive response to help the body fight off infections. Fever can make the body's environment less hospitable to pathogens, as most bacteria and viruses do not survive well at elevated temperatures.

However, if the fever is uncomfortably high or potentially dangerous (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit), it becomes necessary to cool down the body. According to Andrew Huberman, effective ways to reduce fever include:

1. Cooling the palms of the hands, the bottoms of the feet, and the upper half of the face. These areas can help influence the body's core temperature without adversely affecting the brain or the overall thermal regulation system.
2. It's advisable to avoid using methods that might seem intuitive like placing a cold compress on the back of the neck, as this can actually lead the brain to increase the body's temperature further.

Additionally, Dr. Huberman cautions against the unnecessary use of fever-reducing medications unless specifically indicated. These medications can interrupt the body’s natural defense mechanisms against infections by lowering the temperature too quickly and allowing the pathogen to thrive.

For a detailed understanding, please refer to the discussion in episodes such as the The Science & Health Benefits of Deliberate Heat Exposure and the How to Optimize Your Brain-Body Function & Health of the Huberman Lab 1 2.