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.
Researchers have been looking at external signs, too. Evidence suggests the walking patterns, sweat and facial expression of sufferers can reflect their infection before even they are aware of it. This may help others to steer clear.
Internet activity is a promising avenue, too. The ‘Google flu trends’ project is currently suspended, in public at least, pending improvements. But within the rich mine of subconscious information we reveal through our searches, we perhaps find the earliest traces of infection. Keep well, everyone.
Dr Daniel Glaser is director of Science Gallery at King’s College London
