What drinks are good for chicken pox? A hydrating guide for recovery

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

During a chickenpox infection, fever and oral sores can significantly increase the risk of dehydration. Knowing what drinks are good for chicken pox is vital for staying hydrated, soothing discomfort, and providing essential nutrients that support the immune system during recovery.

Quick Summary

Hydration is crucial during chickenpox recovery. Optimal fluids include water, coconut water, herbal teas, clear broths, and soothing smoothies. These help combat dehydration, support immune function, and alleviate discomfort from fever and oral sores.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: Staying well-hydrated is critical to counter fluid loss from fever and support immune function during chickenpox.
Choose Gentle Fluids: Opt for non-irritating drinks like water, coconut water, and herbal teas, which are soothing on oral sores and the throat.
Fuel with Nutrients: When appetite is low, smoothies made from non-acidic fruits and vegetables can provide essential vitamins and minerals in an easily digestible form.
Avoid Irritating Drinks: Steer clear of acidic juices, sugary sodas, and caffeinated drinks, as they can worsen oral sores and inflammation.
Soothe with Temperature: Lukewarm teas and cool or room-temperature drinks are best, as extreme hot or cold temperatures can aggravate a sore throat.
Replenish Electrolytes: Coconut water or low-sugar electrolyte drinks help replenish minerals lost through fever and sweating.

The Importance of Proper Hydration During Chickenpox

Chickenpox, caused by the varicella-zoster virus, can be a draining and uncomfortable experience, often accompanied by fever and a reduced appetite. The characteristic blisters can also appear inside the mouth and throat, making eating and drinking painful. This combination of symptoms puts individuals at a higher risk of dehydration, which can worsen other symptoms like headaches and fatigue and prolong the recovery process. Proper hydration is essential for several reasons, including regulating body temperature, flushing out toxins, and supporting the optimal function of the immune system as it fights the virus.

Best Drinks to Soothe and Support Recovery

Choosing the right fluids is key to managing symptoms and promoting faster healing. The best drinks are those that are gentle, hydrating, and packed with nutrients.

Plain Water

Water is the most fundamental and crucial drink for fighting off any infection. It helps regulate body temperature, promotes the elimination of viral byproducts, and keeps all bodily functions running smoothly. Sipping small amounts consistently throughout the day is more effective than drinking large volumes at once.

Coconut Water

Often referred to as "nature's sports drink," coconut water is an excellent source of natural electrolytes, particularly potassium. It is low in calories and sugar compared to many commercial alternatives, making it a gentle yet effective way to replenish lost minerals due to fever and sweating.

Herbal Teas

Lukewarm herbal teas can be incredibly soothing for a sore throat or mouth sores caused by chickenpox. Decaffeinated options like chamomile, ginger, or peppermint have anti-inflammatory properties that can help calm irritated tissues. Ginger tea, in particular, may also help with nausea and digestion.

Nutrient-Rich Smoothies

When appetite is low, a smoothie can be a great way to deliver vital nutrients in an easy-to-swallow form. Combining non-acidic fruits like bananas, peaches, or melons with leafy greens (e.g., spinach) and a dairy or non-dairy base provides a boost of vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.

Broths and Soups

Warm (not hot) broths, whether chicken or vegetable-based, provide hydration, protein, and electrolytes with minimal digestive effort. They can be very comforting and help to replenish fluids and minerals lost during illness.

Electrolyte Solutions

For more severe cases of dehydration, or in young children who might be more susceptible, low-sugar commercial or oral rehydration solutions can be used. These are formulated with a balanced mix of salts and sugars to aid rehydration.

Comparison of Chickenpox Drinks

To help decide what to reach for, here is a comparison of different drink types:


Drink Type	Primary Benefits	Best For	What to Watch For
Plain Water	Universal hydration, regulates temperature, detoxifies.	All stages of recovery, continuous hydration.	No added nutrients, can be boring for some.
Coconut Water	Natural electrolytes (especially potassium), low sugar.	Replenishing minerals lost from fever/sweating.	May not provide enough sodium for extreme dehydration.
Herbal Teas	Soothing for throat, anti-inflammatory.	Relieving throat pain and promoting relaxation.	Ensure it's not too hot, use decaffeinated options.
Smoothies	Nutrient-dense, easy to swallow, cooling.	Providing calories and vitamins when appetite is low.	Use non-acidic fruits and low sugar content.
Clear Broths	Hydrating, electrolytes, protein.	Soothing sore throat and aiding digestion.	Ensure it's not too hot or salty.

What to Avoid Drinking During Chickenpox

Just as important as knowing what to drink is knowing what to avoid. Certain beverages can irritate oral sores, worsen inflammation, and impede recovery.

Acidic and Citrus Juices: Orange juice, lemonade, and other acidic juices can sting and irritate sensitive mouth sores. Opt for non-acidic fruits in smoothies instead.
Sugary Drinks and Sodas: Excess sugar can suppress the immune system and increase inflammation, which is counterproductive when fighting a viral infection.
Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, black tea, and energy drinks are diuretics and can contribute to dehydration. They should be avoided, especially with a fever.
Very Hot or Very Cold Drinks: Extreme temperatures can aggravate an already sensitive throat. Stick to lukewarm or room-temperature fluids to minimize discomfort.

Practical Tips for Staying Hydrated

Offer small, frequent sips: This is easier to manage, especially for children or anyone with a sore throat.
Use a straw: For painful mouth sores, a straw can make drinking more comfortable by directing the liquid past the most sensitive areas.
Make it fun: For kids, popsicles made from watered-down, non-acidic juice or smoothies can be a fun and soothing way to stay hydrated.
Check urine color: A pale yellow color indicates proper hydration. Darker urine suggests you need to drink more fluids.

Conclusion

Maintaining hydration is one of the most effective supportive treatments for chickenpox, especially since the infection can make drinking difficult due to fever and oral sores. By focusing on gentle, hydrating beverages like water, coconut water, and herbal teas, you can soothe symptoms and provide your body with the necessary support to recover. Nutrient-rich smoothies and mild broths are excellent alternatives for supplying energy when solid food is unappealing. Conversely, avoiding acidic, sugary, and caffeinated drinks prevents further irritation and stress on the immune system. Prioritizing smart fluid intake is a simple but powerful way to manage discomfort and promote a speedier recovery from chickenpox.

This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional for guidance on managing illness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hydration is crucial during chickenpox because fever and sweating lead to fluid loss, increasing the risk of dehydration. Proper fluid intake helps regulate body temperature, flush out toxins, and enables the immune system to function effectively.

It is generally recommended to avoid acidic citrus fruit juices, like orange or pineapple juice, as their acidity can irritate any sores in the mouth and throat. Opt for diluted, low-sugar, non-acidic juices instead, or blend non-acidic fruits into a smoothie.

Low-sugar sports drinks or electrolyte-infused drinks can be helpful for replenishing electrolytes lost from fever and sweating. However, many commercial sports drinks are high in sugar, which can increase inflammation and should be avoided.

Yes, milk and other dairy products like yogurt are generally fine to drink, especially if they are cold and soothing for a sore throat. Yogurt also provides probiotics that can support gut health.

If you have oral sores, focus on cool, soft, and bland fluids and foods. Sipping lukewarm herbal tea, eating popsicles, or using a straw to drink can help minimize irritation and pain.

Avoid drinks that are very hot or very cold, as they can shock and irritate a sensitive throat. Lukewarm beverages, like herbal tea or broth, and room-temperature water are often the most comfortable options.

Caffeinated drinks like coffee and black tea should be avoided during chickenpox. Caffeine is a diuretic and can worsen dehydration, which is already a concern due to fever.