What is the best drink for a fever?

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, a fever can cause fluid loss and dehydration, making proper hydration crucial for recovery. This guide will explore what is the best drink for a fever to help manage symptoms and aid your body's healing process.

Quick Summary

Staying hydrated is essential when fighting a fever to prevent dehydration and aid recovery. The best choices include water, electrolyte solutions, herbal teas, and warm broths. Learn what drinks to prioritize and which to avoid to feel better faster.

Key Points

Water is the Best Option: Water is the most effective and basic way to prevent dehydration during a fever.
Replenish Electrolytes: If you are experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, electrolyte-rich drinks like ORS or low-sugar sports drinks are recommended.
Sip Warm Broths: Warm chicken or vegetable broths help with hydration, provide nutrients, and can soothe a sore throat or congestion.
Try Soothing Herbal Teas: Herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile, or peppermint can offer comfort and have anti-inflammatory or calming properties.
Avoid Dehydrating Drinks: Stay away from alcohol, caffeine, and high-sugar beverages, as they can worsen dehydration.
Hydration for Children: For infants and children, options like Pedialyte, popsicles, and diluted juice can be effective and appealing.
Monitor Hydration Levels: Check urine color—it should be light yellow. Dark urine is a sign you need more fluids.
Don't Force It: If you're nauseous, start with sips of water or ice chips and progress to other fluids as tolerated.

Why Hydration is Critical During a Fever

When you have a fever, your body's temperature is elevated as it fights an infection. This increased temperature, combined with potential sweating, can lead to significant fluid loss. Without adequate fluid intake, you risk dehydration, which can worsen symptoms like headache, weakness, and fatigue. Proper hydration helps to regulate your body temperature, flush toxins, and ensure your immune system can function effectively. It also helps keep mucus thin, aiding with respiratory symptoms if your fever is caused by a cold or flu.

The Gold Standard: Water and Electrolytes

The most fundamental and universally recommended drink for a fever is water. While seemingly simple, water is the most effective way to rehydrate the body. Sucking on ice chips can also be a good way to increase fluid intake, especially if you feel nauseous. For cases involving vomiting or diarrhea, replenishing electrolytes is equally important. Electrolytes are minerals like sodium and potassium that are vital for muscle and nerve function.

Best Electrolyte Options:

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Products like Pedialyte are formulated specifically to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, and are especially useful for children under one year old.
Low-Sugar Sports Drinks: Some sports drinks can help restore electrolytes, but it's important to choose low-sugar versions to avoid immune-hindering inflammation.
Coconut Water: This is a natural source of electrolytes, including potassium, and can be a refreshing alternative.

Soothing Herbal Teas and Broths

Warm liquids can be incredibly comforting and provide added benefits during a fever. Steam from warm beverages can also help clear nasal congestion.

Teas and Broths to Consider:

Ginger Tea: Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and can help with nausea. A simple tea can be made by pouring hot water over fresh ginger root.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its calming effects, chamomile can be soothing and may help with restlessness associated with fever.
Chicken or Vegetable Broth: Broths not only provide fluid but also supply essential nutrients and sodium. Chicken soup, in particular, has anti-inflammatory properties.

Comparison Table: Drinks for a Fever


Drink	Primary Benefit	Electrolytes	Added Nutrients	Considerations
Water	Hydration	Minimal	No	Best universal option
Oral Rehydration Solution	Replenishes electrolytes	High	Yes	Targeted for dehydration
Low-Sugar Sports Drink	Replenishes electrolytes	High	Yes	Choose carefully to avoid excess sugar
Coconut Water	Natural electrolytes	Moderate	Yes	Good for potassium
Herbal Tea (Ginger/Chamomile)	Soothing, anti-inflammatory	Minimal	No	Avoid caffeine
Broth (Chicken/Vegetable)	Hydrating, nutrient-dense	Moderate	Yes	Warmth can help with congestion
Juice Popsicles	Hydrating, soothing for throat	No	Yes (Vit C)	Good for kids, low-sugar options best

What to Avoid When You Have a Fever

While certain drinks are beneficial, others can actually worsen dehydration or hinder your immune system. It's best to avoid these during a fever:

Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, some teas, and soda can act as diuretics, causing you to lose more fluid.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a diuretic and can severely worsen dehydration, slowing your recovery.
High-Sugar Juices and Sodas: Excessive sugar can cause inflammation and interfere with immune function. Stick to 100% juices in moderation or dilute them.
Dairy Products: While not dehydrating, some people find dairy products can increase phlegm production and may be harder to digest when feeling unwell. Some studies show no link, but if it causes discomfort, it's best to limit.

The Importance of Monitoring Your Hydration

It's not enough to simply drink fluids; you must also monitor your hydration levels. A simple indicator is the color of your urine. It should be pale yellow and clear. If it's dark yellow, you need to increase your fluid intake. For children, signs of dehydration can include fewer wet diapers, lack of tears when crying, or appearing lethargic. If you are concerned about dehydration, especially in a child or elderly person, seek medical advice.

Conclusion: Prioritize Simple Hydration

The best drink for a fever is one that effectively hydrates and is easy for your body to process. While there are many options, water remains the most important. Supplementing with electrolyte solutions, warm broths, or soothing herbal teas can provide additional benefits and comfort. The key is to listen to your body, drink consistently throughout the day, and avoid beverages that can worsen dehydration. By focusing on simple, hydrating fluids, you can give your immune system the support it needs to fight the infection and get you back on the road to recovery.

Mayo Clinic News Network provides further advice on fighting a fever at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

When you have a fever, your body's temperature is elevated, which can cause you to sweat more and lose fluids. This fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which can make you feel worse and slow down your recovery. Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature, flush out toxins, and supports your immune system.

Sports drinks can be beneficial if you are also experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, as they help replace lost electrolytes. However, it is best to choose low-sugar versions. High-sugar content can increase inflammation and may hinder your immune response.

It is best to avoid caffeinated teas and other beverages when you have a fever. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it can increase fluid loss and potentially worsen dehydration. Stick to herbal, decaffeinated teas instead.

For children, options like oral rehydration solutions (Pedialyte), popsicles made from 100% fruit juice, and warm chicken or vegetable broth are excellent choices. Diluted fruit juice is also an option. Ensure you consult with a doctor for infants under one year old.

You should avoid alcohol because it is a diuretic and can cause severe dehydration. It can also interfere with your body's immune function and interact negatively with fever-reducing medications.

For some, dairy products can increase phlegm production, which may be uncomfortable, especially with respiratory symptoms. While not directly dehydrating, if milk makes you feel congested, it is better to opt for clear fluids instead.

Key signs of dehydration include dark-colored urine, dry mouth, headache, and feeling dizzy or fatigued. For infants, look for fewer wet diapers, no tears when crying, or sunken eyes.