What Liquid to Take in Viral Fever? A Guide to Proper Hydration

November 26, 2025 •

4 min read

During a viral fever, your body loses fluids more rapidly through sweating, which can lead to dehydration. Knowing what liquid to take in viral fever is critical for supporting your body’s fight against the infection and ensuring a smoother recovery.

Quick Summary

Staying properly hydrated is crucial when battling a viral fever, as it helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes. This guide covers recommended beverages like water, broths, and ORS, what to avoid, and important tips for adults and children.

Key Points

Prioritize Plain Water: Sip small amounts of water frequently throughout the day to combat fluid loss from sweating.
Use Electrolyte Solutions for Severe Symptoms: If vomiting or diarrhea occurs, use oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte to replace lost minerals effectively.
Enjoy Broths and Herbal Teas: Clear broths and decaffeinated herbal teas (ginger, peppermint, chamomile) provide hydration, warmth, and nutrients.
Avoid Sugary, Caffeinated, and Alcoholic Drinks: These beverages can worsen dehydration and suppress immune function, hindering recovery.
Monitor for Dehydration: Watch for signs like dark urine, dry mouth, or fatigue. If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention.
Tailor to Children's Needs: For kids, consider electrolyte freezer pops or diluted 100% fruit juice, and always consult a pediatrician.
Rest is as Important as Hydration: Ensure you get adequate rest, as your body needs energy to fight the infection effectively.

The Crucial Role of Hydration During Viral Fever

When your body is fighting a viral infection, it raises its temperature to create an inhospitable environment for the virus. This process, along with potential sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, causes significant fluid loss. Dehydration, if not addressed, can worsen symptoms like fatigue, headache, and muscle aches, and prolong recovery.

Proper hydration supports your immune system by enabling immune cells to function effectively and helps regulate your body temperature. It also thins mucus, which can relieve congestion and ease coughing. The goal is to consistently replace lost fluids and electrolytes to help your body heal more efficiently.

Best Liquids for Recovery

Water: The Foundation

Water is the gold standard for hydration and should be your primary fluid source. Even when you're resting, a fever can cause substantial fluid loss. It is important to sip small amounts frequently throughout the day, rather than drinking large quantities at once, which can upset a sensitive stomach. Keeping a bottle of water nearby is a simple but effective strategy.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)

For cases involving vomiting or diarrhea, plain water may not be enough to restore lost electrolytes. Oral rehydration solutions, like Pedialyte, are specifically formulated with an optimal balance of electrolytes and glucose to effectively replace lost fluids and minerals. These are especially beneficial for children but are also recommended for adults experiencing moderate to severe dehydration.

Broths and Soups

Clear broths, such as chicken or beef, are excellent choices. They provide both hydration and valuable electrolytes like sodium and protein. A warm cup of broth can also feel soothing and help relieve sinus congestion. Chicken soup, in particular, is known for its mild anti-inflammatory effects.

Herbal Teas

Warm, decaffeinated herbal teas can be incredibly comforting and beneficial. Some of the best options include:

Ginger Tea: Possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe body aches and nausea.
Peppermint Tea: Known for its cooling effects and ability to aid with congestion.
Chamomile Tea: Promotes relaxation and sleep, which are both crucial for recovery.
Tulsi Tea (Holy Basil): Contains antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Adding a little honey to herbal tea can also help soothe a sore throat, but should never be given to infants under one year old.

Coconut Water

As a natural source of electrolytes, coconut water is an excellent option for rehydration. It is rich in potassium and can help replenish minerals lost from sweating and fever. For those who don't like the taste of oral rehydration solutions, coconut water offers a natural alternative with less sugar than many commercial sports drinks.

Fruits and Juices

Whole fruits like watermelon, cantaloupe, and oranges are hydrating and provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. If consuming juice, opt for 100% fruit juice and consider diluting it with water to reduce the sugar content, as excessive sugar can suppress the immune system and potentially worsen diarrhea. Ice pops made from diluted fruit juice are also a great way to stay hydrated, especially for children.

What to Avoid While Sick

Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, black tea, and energy drinks act as diuretics, which increase fluid loss and can lead to further dehydration.
High-Sugar Drinks: Sodas, sugary juices, and other sweetened beverages can hinder the immune system's function and may worsen gastrointestinal symptoms.
Alcohol: Severely dehydrates the body and puts extra stress on the liver, which is already working hard to filter toxins.
Dairy Products: While a source of nutrients, dairy can increase mucus production in some people, potentially exacerbating congestion and coughing.

A Comparison of Hydration Options for Viral Fever


Liquid Type	Benefits	Considerations
Water	Universal, essential for cellular function.	Should be consumed frequently in small amounts.
Oral Rehydration Solution	Replenishes fluids and balanced electrolytes efficiently.	Often best for significant fluid loss (vomiting, diarrhea).
Broths (Chicken/Beef)	Provides fluids, electrolytes, protein, and soothing warmth.	Can provide comfort and nutrients when appetite is low.
Herbal Teas	Soothing, hydrating, can relieve specific symptoms.	Choose decaf; add honey for sore throat (for adults only).
Coconut Water	Natural source of electrolytes, good for mineral replenishment.	Be sure to use fresh or natural, low-sugar options.

Monitoring Hydration and Signs of Dehydration

Staying on top of your hydration status is crucial. A simple way to check is by monitoring your urine color—it should be pale yellow. Signs of dehydration include:

Thirst and a dry, sticky mouth
Decreased and dark-colored urination
Fatigue and dizziness
Headache and muscle cramps

Severe dehydration can present with sunken eyes, rapid heart rate, confusion, or irritability. If you experience these symptoms, especially if you cannot keep fluids down, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional. For more general advice on viral fever home remedies, you can visit Healthline.

Conclusion

Choosing the right liquids is a cornerstone of managing viral fever symptoms and promoting a faster recovery. Prioritize plain water, but don't hesitate to incorporate nutrient-rich broths, electrolyte solutions, and soothing herbal teas to help your body heal. By avoiding dehydrating and sugary beverages, you allow your immune system to function at its best. Always listen to your body and consult a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist or worsen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hydration is crucial during a viral fever because the increased body temperature and sweating cause rapid fluid loss. Replenishing these fluids helps regulate your body temperature, supports your immune system, and prevents the worsening of symptoms caused by dehydration.

No, it is best to avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and black tea during a viral fever. Caffeine is a diuretic, which means it increases urination and can lead to further dehydration, counteracting your hydration efforts.

Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are specifically balanced with electrolytes and glucose to facilitate optimal rehydration, especially when fluids are lost through vomiting or diarrhea. Many sports drinks, however, have high sugar content that can be harder on the stomach and may worsen symptoms.

Yes, coconut water is an excellent option for viral fever. It is a natural source of electrolytes, particularly potassium, which helps replenish minerals lost through sweating.

For some people, dairy products can increase the production of mucus, which might worsen congestion and coughing. It's generally advised to avoid or limit dairy during a viral fever, especially if you have respiratory symptoms.

Key signs of dehydration include feeling thirsty, having a dry or sticky mouth, urinating less frequently, and passing dark-colored urine. Other symptoms are fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and muscle cramps.

To encourage a child to drink, offer a variety of appealing options like oral rehydration freezer pops, clear broths in a fun cup, or diluted 100% fruit juice. Offering small, frequent sips is often more effective than large amounts.

Yes, hot liquids like herbal teas and broths can provide soothing relief and help with congestion. Just make sure they are not excessively hot to avoid burns.