What Kind of Fluids to Drink When Fever? A Nutrition Diet Guide

October 17, 2025 •

5 min read

A fever, a common symptom of illness, causes the body to lose fluids more quickly through sweating and increased breathing rate, significantly increasing the risk of dehydration. Knowing exactly what kind of fluids to drink when fever is critical for replenishing lost liquids and electrolytes, which in turn helps regulate body temperature and support the immune system.

Quick Summary

When a fever strikes, prioritize rehydration to prevent dehydration and aid recovery. Focus on electrolyte-rich drinks like broths and diluted sports beverages, herbal teas, and water, while avoiding dehydrating or sugary drinks.

Key Points

Prioritize Hydration: A fever increases the risk of dehydration due to fluid loss from sweating and increased metabolism, making consistent fluid intake critical for recovery.
Choose Electrolyte-Rich Options: For severe fluid loss from heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, supplement water with electrolyte drinks like oral rehydration solutions (ORS) or coconut water.
Opt for Soothing Warmth: Warm, clear broths and herbal teas (like ginger or chamomile) can provide hydration, nutrients, and soothing relief for sore throats and congestion.
Avoid Dehydrating Fluids: Stay away from alcohol, caffeine (coffee, black tea, and many sodas), and high-sugar drinks, as they can worsen dehydration and hinder recovery.
Use Small, Frequent Sips: If you experience nausea or a low appetite, sip fluids slowly in small amounts to prevent stomach upset and ensure gradual, consistent hydration.
Tailor Hydration for Children: For children, use oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, popsicles, or diluted juice. Never give honey to infants under one year of age.

The Importance of Hydration During a Fever

When your body temperature rises due to a fever, your metabolic rate increases as your immune system works hard to fight off infection. This process, along with the natural response of sweating to cool the body, leads to a significant loss of fluids and essential electrolytes. Dehydration can exacerbate your symptoms, making you feel weaker and hindering your body's ability to recover efficiently. Therefore, maintaining proper hydration is one of the most important steps you can take to support your body's healing process.

The Best Fluids to Drink During a Fever

Choosing the right fluids is key. The best options are those that not only rehydrate but also provide electrolytes and soothing properties without upsetting a sensitive stomach. Here's a breakdown of the best choices:

Water

Plain, clean water is the most fundamental and effective fluid for combating dehydration. It helps to flush toxins from the body and supports the function of mucous membranes, which are a critical part of your body's defense system. Sipping water regularly throughout the day is the best approach, rather than drinking large amounts at once, which can sometimes worsen nausea. If plain water is unappealing, especially for children, try adding a splash of diluted fruit juice for flavor.

Electrolyte-Rich Drinks

For fevers accompanied by heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, water alone may not be enough to replace lost electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Electrolyte drinks are formulated to restore this balance and speed up the rehydration process. Good options include:

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Commercially available products like Pedialyte are specifically designed for this purpose and are suitable for both adults and children. They contain a precise balance of salts and sugars to aid absorption.
Coconut Water: This is a natural source of electrolytes, particularly potassium, and is lower in sugar than many sports drinks. It's a healthy alternative for natural rehydration.
Diluted Sports Drinks: Drinks like Gatorade contain electrolytes, but their high sugar content can sometimes be counterproductive or cause stomach upset. Diluting them with water can make them more tolerable while still providing a boost of minerals.

Warm Broths and Soups

Grandma's chicken soup isn't just a folk remedy—it's genuinely beneficial. Clear chicken or vegetable broths are easy on the stomach and provide valuable fluids, salts, and nutrients. The warmth can also help to soothe a sore throat and clear nasal congestion. Bone broth, in particular, offers additional protein and nutrients that can support recovery.

Herbal Teas

Certain herbal teas can be incredibly soothing and help with specific symptoms associated with fever. Caffeine-free options are best to avoid the diuretic effect of caffeine. Some beneficial herbal teas include:

Ginger Tea: Excellent for calming nausea and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Peppermint Tea: Can act as a natural decongestant and has antimicrobial properties.
Chamomile Tea: Known for its relaxing effects, it can promote rest and has mild anti-inflammatory benefits.
Honey-Lemon Water: Warm water with honey and a squeeze of lemon can soothe a sore throat and provide a vitamin C boost. (Note: Never give honey to children under one year old due to the risk of botulism).

Other Easy-to-Consume Fluids

For those with little appetite or a sore throat, other fluid options can provide hydration and nutrition:

Popsicles: Electrolyte-based or fruit-based popsicles are a great way to provide fluids and calories, especially for children who are reluctant to drink.
Smoothies: A nutrient-dense smoothie made with water-rich fruits like melon can offer a dose of vitamins and hydration. Adding yogurt can also provide probiotics to support gut health.

Fluids to Avoid When You Have a Fever

Just as important as knowing what to drink is knowing what to avoid. Certain beverages can actively hinder your body's recovery and worsen dehydration.

Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, black tea, energy drinks, and some sodas act as diuretics, causing increased urination and worsening dehydration. They can also disrupt sleep, which is essential for healing.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a diuretic and suppresses the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off infection. It can also interfere with medication.
High-Sugar Beverages: Sugary sodas and undiluted fruit juices can cause inflammation and may worsen diarrhea. The excess sugar can also weaken the immune system's response.
Heavy Dairy: While some individuals can tolerate milk or yogurt, others report that it can thicken mucus. It's best to listen to your body and avoid dairy if it causes discomfort or congestion.

Comparison of Fever-Friendly Fluids


Fluid Type	Best For	Pros	Cons	Note
Water	Basic hydration, flushing toxins	Most effective for simple rehydration, gentle on stomach	Lacks electrolytes for severe fluid loss	Sip small amounts frequently
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)	Replenishing electrolytes after vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating	Optimal balance of salts and sugars for absorption	Taste can be unappealing to some	Good for adults and children; dilute if needed
Clear Broths	Hydration with extra nutrients and warmth	Soothing, provides calories, helps clear congestion	Can be high in sodium, may not appeal to all	Excellent for low appetite
Herbal Teas	Soothing specific symptoms (sore throat, nausea)	Calming, anti-inflammatory properties, provides warmth	Effects vary by herb; must be caffeine-free	Add honey (not for infants) for extra comfort
Coconut Water	Natural electrolyte replacement	Rich in potassium, low in sugar compared to sports drinks	Some find the taste polarizing, not rich in sodium	Great natural option
Diluted Fruit Juice	Encouraging fluid intake (especially for children)	Source of vitamin C, provides mild sweetness	High in sugar if not diluted, can worsen diarrhea	Always dilute and choose 100% juice

Specific Hydration Strategies

For Nausea and Vomiting

When nausea makes it difficult to keep fluids down, the key is to be gentle and persistent. Try sucking on ice chips or frozen electrolyte popsicles to introduce fluid slowly. Once your stomach has settled, take small, frequent sips of fluid rather than large gulps. Ginger tea is also known for its anti-nausea effects and can be very helpful.

For Children with Fever

Children are at higher risk for dehydration, so diligent hydration is crucial. Pediatricians often recommend oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte, which are specifically formulated for infants and children. Popsicles and diluted juices can also encourage fluid intake. Always consult a doctor for infants under 1 year, and never give them honey.

Conclusion

Staying properly hydrated is a cornerstone of fever management and recovery. By focusing on nourishing fluids like water, electrolyte drinks, broths, and herbal teas, you can support your body's immune system, regulate your temperature, and soothe uncomfortable symptoms. Conversely, avoiding dehydrating beverages like alcohol and caffeine is essential for a quicker recovery. Listening to your body and taking small, consistent sips is the best approach, especially if you feel weak or nauseous. In cases of severe dehydration or if symptoms persist, it is always wise to consult a healthcare professional for guidance. Prioritizing hydration gives your body the best possible chance to heal and get you back on your feet.

Frequently Asked Questions

While water is the most effective and basic way to rehydrate, it may not be enough if you are experiencing significant fluid loss from heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. In those cases, electrolyte-rich drinks like ORS or coconut water are also recommended to replenish lost minerals.

You can, but it's best to do so in moderation and consider diluting them with water. Many sports drinks contain high amounts of sugar, which can sometimes aggravate symptoms like nausea or diarrhea.

Warm beverages like herbal tea or broth can be more soothing for sore throats and can help loosen congestion. However, the best temperature is what feels most comfortable for you. Sucking on cold popsicles or ice chips can also be helpful, especially if you have nausea.

The idea that milk increases mucus production is not universally supported by science. Milk can be a source of nutrients, but if it causes stomach upset or thickens mucus for you personally, it is best to stick to clearer fluids.

A simple oral rehydration solution can be made at home by mixing 1 liter (about 4 cups) of clean water with 6 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir until dissolved.

You should avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages (coffee, black tea, energy drinks, and most sodas), and high-sugar drinks. These can all worsen dehydration and hinder your recovery.

A good indicator of proper hydration is your urine color. It should be pale yellow or nearly colorless. If it is dark yellow, you are likely dehydrated and need to increase your fluid intake.