February comes from the Latin Februa, an ancient Roman period of rituals involving the cleansing of homes, temples, and the city itself. It was held in mid-February, just before the new year (which originally began in March).
From the same root, februum, comes “fever”—the body’s version of that same logic of purification. Fever is an induced heat that creates inhospitable conditions for what does not belong (germs, etc.). It’s not random; it’s purposeful, time-limited, and oriented toward restoring order.
The Cost of Suppressing Fever
Modern medicine tends to regard fevers as something to counteract with aspirin, acetaminophen, or similar drugs. While reducing a fever may relieve discomfort, it can also prolong illness and infection. In most cases, allowing the temperature to rise accelerates the immune response. White blood cells are mobilized to attack viruses and bacteria.
Managing Fever
In otherwise healthy individuals, the most supportive approach is to let the fever “ride,” while getting plenty of rest, hydration, and small amounts of food. That said, it is important to monitor the course of the fever.
Red Flags: When a Fever Needs Medical Attention
- Fever persists beyond 3 to 4 days in adults
- Fever continues to rise rather than stabilize
- Person becomes disoriented, difficult to wake, or severely lethargic
- Signs of dehydration: very little urination, dry mouth, inability to keep fluids down
- Severe headache, neck stiffness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, or persistent vomiting
- Fever in infants under 3 months
- A child who is unusually unresponsive, inconsolable, or not drinking fluids
- Elderly individuals who are immunocompromised or medically fragile
- Fever following surgery, major injury, or suspected systemic infection
In most cases, fever is a strategy. Heat changes states. It breaks things down so they can be reorganized. Therefore, when a fever arises, the question should not be, “How fast can we bring the temperature down?” but rather, “What is the body trying to accomplish, and how can we assist it?”
February is a time of year when systems are pushed to extremes: illness peaks, reserves are low, and the body is forced to respond more decisively. From this perspective, fever is understood not as a problem, but as a solution.