By: Daniel Glaser | Brain drain: our default responses to flu | Daniel Glaser | Neuroscience | The Guardian
What goes on in the hypothalamus when we get a fever?
I’ve been laid up with flu and as I return to full cognitive function, I’ve been pondering the neuroscience. A fever’s tweak to your temperature regulation circuits triggers not only shivering, but also indirect loops. ‘Feeling’ cold can make you turn up the thermostat, grab blankets and take to your bed.
It’s not clear whether it’s the bug or your defences that are in control, but using your body as a laboratory, it’s fascinating to wait for the paracetamol to work. When it hits you suddenly start sweating and kick off the covers as your hypothalamus catches on to the actual temperature of your body.
