THE ROLE OF FEVER IN THE PAST an‎d PRESENT

Fever is perhaps the most ancient hallmark of disease. It dates back as far as civilization itself. For most of the history, fever was feared by ordinary people as a manifestation of punishment, induced by evil spirits or a marker of death. For medical scholars, however the biological role of fever in disease was considered as beneficial, particularly so among Greek scholars (Ancient concepts). This concept underwent a radical transformation in the 19th century and scholars began to regard fever as harmful. The use of antipyretics was considered beneficial (Changing concepts). With the introduction of fever therapy in the 20th century, renewed interest in the role of fever began (Current concepts)