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To feed a cold and starve a fever
Was once a healing hack;
The fact that some would oft recover
Obscured the faulty tack.

Per ancient logic so mistaken,
Ills came from hot or cold.
So highs of “temp” disease awakened,
And lows led life to fold.

With fever's source an inner furnace,
Required was cooling aid.
All colds arose from chilly illness
And food for heat entailed.

But now we know the role of calories
Is not for warmth alone;
Intrepid defenders, cell repairers
Take energy while we groan.

Though appetite with ill may vary,
One's nutrient needs remain;
For flu and colds, an equal worry
Is fluid to regain.

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