Question

When infected by a pathogen, we tend to get fever. What is the primary reason for this?

• A. To increase growth rate of pathogens
• B. Breakdown of body system
• C. To kill the pathogens
• D. Result of infection

Answer 1

The correct option is C

To kill the pathogens

Our body has many mechanisms to fight the infections of which, fever is one of them. Bacteria and viruses can survive only within a very small range of temperatures. So by raising the body’s temperature, their growth is inhibited and can be easily destroyed. Fever also activates the body’s acquired immune system to make more white blood cells, antibodies, and other infection-fighting agents.