Fever is your friend, not your enemy

Fever is your friend, not your enemy. It is a form of self defense mechanism that your immune system tries to fight the infection. With elevated body temperature, bacteria/virus has less chance of multiplying or even surviving. And white blood cells are easier to fight these harmful bacteria/virus. As long as you cope with it properly, your body will not be harmed. High fever, however, could cause dehydration that is life threatening. So you need to drink a lots of water.

It is a myth the high fever will damage one's brain. Your body is so sophisticated it konws when to stop raising your body temperature as long as you don't do anything stupid, such as covering you body with a heavy blanket, which could prevent your body from venting out any excessive heat.

An antibiotic is given for the treatment of an infection caused by bacteria. They target only bacteria - they do not attack other organisms, such as fungi or viruses. If you have an infection it is important to know whether it is caused by bacteria, and not a virus or fungus. Most upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold and sore throats are generally caused by viruses - antibiotics do not work against viruses.

If antibiotics are overused or used incorrectly there is a chance that the bacteria will become resistant - the antibiotic becomes less effective against that type of bacterium. That is why doctors should prescribe antibiotics very carefully. Nowadays, big citis like shanghai, all the doctors have to have a specific reason to authorize an antibiotics treatment. Sadly, a lot of patients in China are not well educated enough to have such knowledge.

A broad-spectrum antibiotic can be used to treat a wide range of infections. A narrow-spectrum antibiotic is only effective against a few types of bacteria. There are antibiotics that attack aerobic bacteria, while others work against anaerobic bacteria. Aerobic bacteria need oxygen, while anaerobic bacteria don't.

Give your immune system a chance. Our immune system can usually cope and fight off the infection. There are occasions, however, when it is all too much and our bodies need some help. Even that, the best way is to pinpoint what bacteria you have, and then to admin a specific antibiotic.