TREATMENT OF FEVER

Fever is an important indicator of disease and should not be routinely suppressed by antipyretics. There is considerable evidence that fever may actually benefit the host defense mechanism. In most patients, fe ver is short-lived and causes only minor discomfort. Antipyretic agent s are effective in lowering temperature, but have significant side eff ects. Routine antipyretic therapy should be avoided but may be necessa ry in individual patients with underlying cardiovascular or neurologic disorders.