| A fever begins when a bacteria or virus enters your body and causes tissue damage. Pyrogens are then released into the blood stream and move to the brain where they create prostaglandins in the hypothalamus. The prostaglandins then act on the area of the hypothalamus that controls the body's temperature and raises the body's temperature to let you know you are having a fever and to let the bacteria or virus have an uncomfortable environment to live in. A person with a fever temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit should seek medical attention. Drugs reduce fevers by hindering the production of prostaglandins that plays a role in body temperature change. |
