The administration of over-the-counter medication for fever may lead to the worsening of some infectious diseases, according to a recent study from Japan. Physicians or parents may administer medication to relieve fever, but in doing so, may increase or prolong the illness-associated viral shedding. The lowered fever may also reduce the body’s ability to fight the infection. Some feel that other features of the immune system are activated by fever. (Acta Paediatrica Japonica 36:375-378, 1994). Acetaminophen (paracetamol) was administered in this study, but other studies have cautioned that phenacetin may produce nephrotoxicity, aspirin may cause Reye’s syndrome or intestinal bleeding, and paracetamol or Tylenol may cause hepatotoxicity. Some of these medications have led to accidental death. Copyright 1994 Phylis Austin
