What Should I Drink If I Have a Fever?

November 18, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, fever causes fluid loss through sweating and increased respiration, making dehydration a real risk. Knowing what should I drink if I have a fever is crucial for recovery, as proper hydration supports your body's immune response and helps you feel better faster.

Quick Summary

Staying well-hydrated is critical when managing a fever, as it helps regulate body temperature and prevent dehydration. Good fluid choices include water, clear broths, herbal teas, and electrolyte-rich drinks. Avoid caffeinated and sugary beverages.

Key Points

Hydrate Constantly: Drink small, frequent amounts of fluids like water, broth, or tea to prevent dehydration and aid your body's immune response.
Choose Electrolyte-Rich Drinks: Replenish lost sodium and potassium with clear broths, oral rehydration solutions, or coconut water, especially if you are sweating heavily, vomiting, or have diarrhea.
Soothe with Warm Herbal Teas: Opt for decaffeinated teas like ginger or chamomile with a spoonful of honey to calm a sore throat and provide a comforting warmth.
Avoid Dehydrating Beverages: Stay away from coffee, alcohol, and sugary sodas, as they can worsen dehydration and hinder recovery.
Consider Soothing Foods: Popsicles, diluted juices, and warm broths can provide hydration and nutrients, especially when you have a low appetite.
Monitor Your Symptoms: While proper hydration is key for home care, seek medical advice for high, prolonged fevers or additional severe symptoms.

The Importance of Hydration During a Fever

When your body's temperature rises due to a fever, it's a sign that your immune system is actively fighting an infection. This process can lead to significant fluid loss, primarily through sweating and increased breathing rate. Dehydration not only worsens the fatigue and weakness associated with a fever but can also hinder your body's ability to regulate its own temperature. Replenishing these lost fluids is the most important aspect of at-home fever care.

Best Drinks to Sip During a Fever

Plain Water: The most essential and straightforward fluid. Aim to drink more than your usual amount throughout the day, sipping steadily rather than gulping.
Clear Broths: Chicken, beef, or vegetable broths are excellent. They not only provide much-needed fluid but also contain sodium and other electrolytes, helping to replenish salts lost through sweat. The warmth can also be soothing for a sore throat or congestion.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): For cases involving significant fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea, or for very high fevers, an ORS like Pedialyte can be highly beneficial. They are specifically formulated to replace water and essential minerals.
Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes like potassium, sodium, and magnesium, coconut water is an effective way to rehydrate without added sugars.
Herbal Teas: Decaffeinated herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, or peppermint can be soothing and provide warmth. Ginger is also known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Adding a teaspoon of honey can help soothe a sore throat (avoid giving honey to infants under one year old).
Diluted Fruit Juice: For a boost of flavor and some vitamins, diluted fruit juice can be a good option. However, avoid drinking large quantities of undiluted juice, as the high sugar content can sometimes aggravate diarrhea.
Popsicles or Gelatin: These can be great for staying hydrated, especially for children or adults with a sore throat or no appetite.

Drinks to Avoid

Caffeinated Beverages: Coffee, black tea, and certain sodas are diuretics, which means they can increase urination and contribute to dehydration.
Alcohol: An absolute no-go when you have a fever. It is a diuretic and can interfere with the body's healing process.
Sugary Sodas: High sugar content can be inflammatory and may not be easy on a sensitive stomach.

Comparison Table: Best Fever Drinks


Drink	Benefits for Fever	Best For	Considerations
Plain Water	Essential for hydration, flushes out toxins	Most fever cases	Lacks electrolytes; may not be enough during heavy sweating
Clear Broth	Replaces electrolytes (sodium), provides protein, soothing warmth	Adults and children with upset stomach, sore throat	Can be high in sodium, choose low-sodium options if needed
Electrolyte Solution (ORS)	Precisely balances electrolytes and fluids	Cases of vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating	Can be high in sugar; choose low-sugar options or dilute
Coconut Water	Natural electrolytes (potassium), less sugar than sports drinks	Mild to moderate fevers, natural hydration	Taste is not for everyone; check for added sugars
Herbal Tea	Soothing warmth, anti-inflammatory properties (ginger)	Soothing sore throat, promoting rest	Must be decaffeinated; avoid for very young children
Diluted Fruit Juice	Provides vitamins, easy to consume	Low appetite, needing a little energy boost	Dilute to avoid excess sugar, which can cause stomach upset

Making Homemade Fever-Fighting Drinks

Creating your own beverages can be a great way to control sugar and include extra soothing ingredients. Here are a couple of ideas:

Ginger Turmeric Tea

Ingredients: 1-inch fresh ginger, 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 cup hot water.
Instructions: Boil water, add sliced ginger and turmeric, and let it steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain, stir in honey, and sip. Ginger and turmeric have anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.

Honey Lemon Water

Ingredients: 1 cup warm water, juice of half a lemon, 1 teaspoon honey.
Instructions: Mix ingredients well. This classic remedy is soothing for a sore throat and provides a boost of vitamin C.

Conclusion

When a fever hits, prioritizing hydration is non-negotiable. While water is the fundamental fluid, incorporating other beneficial drinks like clear broths, herbal teas, and electrolyte solutions can significantly aid your recovery and alleviate discomfort. By making smart beverage choices and avoiding dehydrating options, you provide your body with the best possible support to fight the infection. Remember to always listen to your body and consult a healthcare professional if your fever is high, prolonged, or accompanied by concerning symptoms. A consistent intake of the right fluids is a simple yet powerful way to help yourself on the road to wellness.

Optional Outbound Link

For more information on the importance of hydration for overall health, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

The single best thing is plain water, as it is essential for flushing out toxins and maintaining hydration. However, a combination of water and electrolyte-rich fluids like clear broth is ideal for comprehensive replenishment.

Sports drinks can help replace lost electrolytes but should be consumed in moderation or diluted. Many contain high amounts of sugar, which can sometimes aggravate symptoms like nausea or diarrhea.

Yes, warm decaffeinated herbal teas like ginger, peppermint, or chamomile are excellent choices. They can be very soothing for a sore throat and help to promote sweating, which aids in cooling the body.

Drinking fluids is critical because fever increases fluid loss through sweating and breathing, leading to dehydration. Proper hydration helps your body regulate temperature, thins mucus, and supports the immune system.

Not drinking enough water can lead to dehydration, which can worsen fever symptoms like fatigue and weakness. It can also lead to more serious issues like low blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat.

While juice contains vitamins, it also has high sugar content. It is better to dilute fruit juice with water to prevent stomach upset or diarrhea, and to avoid excess sugar.

Broths and water serve different purposes. While water is essential for basic hydration, broths are superior for replenishing sodium and other electrolytes lost during fever. Combining both is the most effective strategy.