The normal body temperature of a healthy man is 98.4°F (37°C). Fever is a condition in which the body temperature rises above the normal. It is a common symptom of disease.

          The heat energy produced by the chemical reactions taking place inside the body is controlled by brain and skin. As long as there is no disease or malfunctioning in the body, the temperature remains 98.4°F. When germs of some specific disease attack the body, pyrogens are produced in the body cells. Consequently, the centres controlling the body temperature are affected and, as a result, body temperature starts rising. This rise in temperature is called fever. The first signs of fever are chills, loss of appetite and a feeling of weakness.

          Fever is a body mechanism that helps us in destroying the germs of diseases. During fever, some of the body organs start working fast and some physiological processes get accelerated. The rate of production of hormones, enzymes and blood cells increase considerably. These hormones, enzymes and blood cells start fighting the germs causing fever. During fever, blood circulation and respiration become faster. Both these processes help the body in getting rid of the poisonous germs present in the body. Fevers are often the symptom of a serious infection.

          There are various kinds of fever – malaria, typhoid, etc. Persistence of any fever for a longer period is not good. During fever, the internal parts become hot and there is deficiency of water causing the contraction of the capillaries of blood and urinary tracts. Protein accumulated in the body gets depleted. Disorder sets in the brain due to high temperature. It is, therefore, a big mistake on the part of anybody, if he or she ignores fever. Though fever is a physiological activity aimed at fighting any disease, it is extremely essential to seek immediate medical assistance once you get it.