This Podcast Will Kill You

Ep 138 Fever: Take it to the limit

49 snips
Apr 30, 2024
Delve into the fascinating world of fevers in this red-hot episode. Explore the history of thermometers, the body's response to fevers, and the evolutionary aspects of temperature regulation. Learn about the significance of fevers in health and the complexities of managing high temperatures. Tune in for some very fun fever facts!
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INSIGHT

Fever vs. Body Temperature

  • Humans maintain a core body temperature around 98.6°F (37°C).
  • A fever is not just a high temperature, but a shift in the body's set point.
INSIGHT

Causes of Fever

  • Fevers are triggered by exogenous substances (e.g., bacterial toxins) and endogenous pyrogens.
  • These pyrogens act on the hypothalamus, increasing body temperature.
INSIGHT

Adaptive Fever Hypothesis

  • Fever may be adaptive, hindering pathogen survival.
  • Ectotherms like lizards and fish seek higher temperatures when infected.
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