@MissAnthrope Most low fevers don’t last more than 24 hours, especially in adults, kids can stay feverish much longer. Flus and bacterial infections cause high fevers. Flu, the fever usually at least 4 days. Bacterial infections depends on how well the body fights it off, sometimes the body doesn’t well and antibiotics are necessary. These fevers also typically last at least 4 days, or until treated.
Colds rarely have fever in adults, if they do they are low grade and are around for just a short time.
Brain damage is up around 106, 107, not that I would risk not bringing down anything over 103. At 101+ people usually are starting to feel pretty miserable. Reducing the fever can take away half the discomfort of an illness. I don’t get trying to increase the temperature at all. But, my family never had that idea, so it is so foreign to me, and it is not supported by doctors. A doctor may recommend keeping a patient warm and comfortable, especially with a typical congestions cold, or chest cold, but that is not the same as sweating out a fever. I can’t help but wonder if maybe some people twist the intention of what is recommended.
Of course there are other types of infections that can occur, but those are the common ones.
I am not trying to convince anyone. Just putting out there how colds and flus typically run their course. It amazes me, outside of this discussion how people seem unaware of the course of illness even though they have been alive for 40 years. I am not talking about anyone specifically here, but even among my friends. They seem to forget many colds start with a bad sore throught that goes away in about 24–36 hours, there is a 12 hour break and then the congestions starts. Usually very low or no fever. Strep throat usually has a high fever, and the sore throught persists past 48 hours. The flu usually has no congestions, has a cough, and high fever. Etc.