What is the term for an increase in body temperature as the immune system fights off an infection?

The correct term for an increase in body temperature due to the immune system responding to an infection is fever. Fever is a common physiological response that helps the body fight off pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses. When an infection occurs, the immune system releases pyrogens, which are substances that signal the brain to raise the body's temperature. This elevated temperature can inhibit the growth of certain pathogens, enhance the efficiency of immune cells, and support the overall healing process.

When understanding why fever is appropriate, it's important to recognize how the body uses this mechanism to create an environment that is less favorable for the survival and replication of invading microorganisms. Additionally, a fever often accompanies other symptoms of infection, such as fatigue and inflammation, which collectively indicate that the immune system is actively responding to a threat.

In contrast, chills refer to the sensations of cold that occur when the body is raising its temperature to the new set point established by the hypothalamus during a fever. Hyperthermia refers to an abnormally high body temperature that can occur due to external factors, such as extreme heat exposure, rather than as a response to infection. Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature drops well below the normal range, often due to prolonged exposure to cold, which