Bird flu viruses are resistant to fever, making them a major threat to humans

Fever as Defense vs. Symptom Relief

• Multiple comments stress that fever is an active immune response, not just a symptom: higher temperature can inhibit pathogen replication and boost immune cell activity.
• Others highlight that clinical practice often suppresses fever aggressively, despite evidence it usually isn’t dangerous in itself (distinct from heat stroke / hyperthermia).
• Several argue that routine use of antipyretics (Tylenol, ibuprofen) may prolong infections or blunt immune effectiveness; others counter that fever is helpful but not essential, and temporary suppression doesn’t “shut down” immunity.
• Cultural anecdotes: some countries routinely “sweat out” flu and avoid meds below ~39–40°C, while others medicate early for comfort or to keep working.

Bird Flu’s Fever Resistance

• Commenters restate the article’s core point: birds run hotter than humans, so avian flu strains evolved to tolerate temperatures in our fever range.
• Experiments in mice with a “bird” gene variant and high ambient temperature showed reduced viral degradation, suggesting human fever is less effective against such strains.
• This is seen as removing one of our innate defenses and making avian strains more threatening if they adapt to humans.

Vaccines, COVID Experience, and Policy

• There is mention of an H5N1 vaccine stockpile, but concern that it covers only one subtype, with uncertain cross-protection.
• Some argue bird-flu vaccines could be developed quickly; others say COVID showed we must not assume rapid, effective vaccines and should invest in broader systemic responses (masks, isolation protocols, R&D infrastructure).
• A contentious subthread claims respiratory-virus vaccines have poor real-world impact, accuses regulators of over-approving weak COVID vaccines, and asserts that mass vaccination may worsen viral evolution; others dispute this and provide counter-citations.
• US political dynamics are raised: claims that current leadership and health policymakers are hostile to vaccines—especially mRNA—and may hinder future pandemic responses.

Other Scientific and Social Threads

• Side discussion on tryptase, copper, and influenza HA activation via host proteases.
• Historical notes on deliberate fever induction (pyrotherapy) for infections and cancer.
• Long tangent on sick leave norms, workplace pressure to medicate and work while ill, and differing attitudes toward pain, stoicism, and symptom management.