What to Drink Before a Fever: Best Beverages for Hydration

December 27, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Mayo Clinic, a fever can cause the body to lose fluids through increased sweating and breathing. Proactively preparing your body by knowing what to drink before a fever can help maintain hydration and support your immune system's fight against infection.

Quick Summary

Proper hydration is essential for managing a fever and its symptoms. This guide provides information on the best beverages to consume, from water and broths to herbal teas and electrolyte solutions, to aid your body during illness.

Key Points

Hydration is Key: A fever can cause fluid loss through sweating, so maintaining adequate hydration is crucial for recovery.
Replenish Electrolytes: Choose drinks with electrolytes, like oral rehydration solutions, broths, and coconut water, to replace lost salts and minerals.
Soothing Warmth: Herbal teas, especially ginger or peppermint, can help soothe a sore throat and provide comfort during illness.
Avoid Dehydrating Beverages: Steer clear of alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which can worsen dehydration and hinder recovery.
Listen to Your Body: If you're nauseous, take small sips of fluid frequently. Clear broths and diluted juices are gentler on a sensitive stomach.
Know When to Seek Medical Help: Persistent high fevers, especially with severe symptoms, warrant consulting a healthcare professional.

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 increased metabolic activity, along with potential sweating, can lead to significant fluid and electrolyte loss, increasing the risk of dehydration. Dehydration can exacerbate common fever symptoms like headaches, weakness, and dizziness, hindering your recovery. By prioritizing specific types of drinks, you can help your body function more efficiently and manage your symptoms more effectively.

Best Hydrating Drinks for Fever

Not all fluids are created equal when you're feeling under the weather. The best drinks are those that not only replenish fluids but also replace lost electrolytes and offer soothing or immune-boosting properties.

Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): Pre-packaged solutions like Pedialyte or homemade versions (water, salt, and a little sugar) are ideal for balancing fluid and electrolyte levels. They are specifically formulated to help your body absorb water efficiently.
Clear Broths and Soups: Warm, clear broths (chicken or vegetable) are comforting and provide sodium and other electrolytes lost through sweat. They are also easy to digest when your appetite is low. Chicken soup, in particular, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects.
Herbal Teas: Warm, caffeine-free herbal teas can be incredibly soothing for a sore throat that might accompany a fever. Options like peppermint, ginger, chamomile, or cinnamon can have anti-inflammatory properties, while the steam can help with congestion. Add a teaspoon of honey for a cough suppressant effect (do not give honey to children under 1 year old).
Coconut Water: This is a natural source of electrolytes like potassium and magnesium, making it a good choice for rehydration without added sugars found in many sports drinks.
Diluted Fruit Juices: While fruit juice can contain a lot of sugar, diluting it with water can provide a boost of vitamin C and other nutrients. Stick to low-acid options like apple juice if you have an upset stomach.
Water: Plain water is always the foundation of proper hydration. Sip on it frequently throughout the day to help flush out your system and regulate your body temperature.

Drinks to Avoid with a Fever

Just as important as knowing what to drink is knowing what to avoid. Certain beverages can hinder your recovery by promoting dehydration or irritating your system.

Caffeinated Drinks (Coffee, Caffeinated Tea, Energy Drinks): Caffeine acts as a diuretic, which can increase fluid loss and worsen dehydration, especially when you are already losing fluids from sweating.
Alcohol: Alcohol is also a diuretic and can severely dehydrate you, placing additional stress on your body and interfering with your immune response.
Sugary Beverages (Sodas, Heavy Juices): Excess sugar can cause inflammation, which may make your immune system work harder than necessary. Sugary drinks can also exacerbate diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues.
Dairy Products (in some cases): For some individuals, dairy products like milk can thicken mucus, which can be problematic if you are also dealing with congestion or a sore throat. Pay attention to how your body reacts.

Comparison of Fever-Friendly Drinks


Drink Category	Primary Benefit	Electrolyte Content	Sugar Content	Best for...
Oral Rehydration Solutions	Rapid rehydration, electrolyte balance	High	Low-Moderate	Replenishing fluids lost from fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Clear Broths	Electrolyte replacement, easy digestion	Moderate-High	Very Low	Soothing sore throats and stomachs, providing light nourishment.
Herbal Teas	Soothing throat, congestion relief	Low	Varies (add honey)	Relieving respiratory symptoms and promoting comfort.
Coconut Water	Natural electrolytes, refreshing	Moderate-High	Moderate	Natural rehydration without artificial additives.
Diluted Juices	Vitamin C, easy fluids	Low	Moderate (diluted)	Getting some nutrients when you have a low appetite.
Plain Water	Foundational hydration	None	None	General hydration and maintaining fluid balance.

Choosing the Right Drink for Your Symptoms

For maximum benefit, consider your specific symptoms when choosing a beverage. If a sore throat is your primary issue, warm herbal tea with honey might be the most soothing option. If you're experiencing vomiting or diarrhea in addition to the fever, an oral rehydration solution is crucial to replace lost salts and sugars. Clear broths can be a good middle-ground, offering both electrolytes and a warm, comforting liquid that is gentle on the stomach. Always sip fluids slowly and in small amounts, especially if you feel nauseous.

Conclusion

Preparing for a fever by stocking up on the right beverages is a proactive step toward a quicker recovery. While plain water is a good starting point, incorporating clear broths, oral rehydration solutions, and herbal teas can provide additional benefits like electrolyte balance and symptom relief. Avoiding dehydrating drinks like caffeine and alcohol is also critical. Prioritizing hydration and choosing drinks that soothe your specific symptoms is a simple but effective strategy for managing a fever and supporting your body's healing process. Remember to always consult a healthcare professional for persistent or high fevers.

Mayo Clinic News Network provides further reading on managing fever symptoms at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

The fastest way to rehydrate during a fever is by using an oral rehydration solution (ORS) or electrolyte-enhanced drinks, as they are specifically designed to be absorbed efficiently by the body to replace lost fluids and minerals.

It depends on the person. While milk is hydrating, for some, dairy products can thicken mucus and worsen congestion. If you have congestion or a sore throat with your fever, it might be best to avoid milk. For others, a smoothie with low-fat milk is a good source of protein.

Both can be beneficial. Warm drinks like herbal tea or broth can soothe a sore throat and help with congestion. Cold liquids, like popsicles or ice water, can help to dull throat pain and provide some cooling relief.

Sports drinks like Gatorade contain electrolytes, which can be helpful. However, many are high in sugar, which can cause inflammation. It's often better to opt for lower-sugar or sugar-free electrolyte options, or dilute regular sports drinks with water.

Both alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, meaning they increase urination and lead to greater fluid loss. This can exacerbate dehydration, which is already a risk with fever, and prolong your illness.

Yes, many homemade drinks can be very effective. A simple solution of water, salt, and a small amount of sugar acts as an excellent oral rehydration solution. Broths, ginger tea, or lemon water with honey are also beneficial homemade options.

If you are vomiting and cannot keep fluids down, try taking very small, frequent sips or sucking on ice cubes or electrolyte freezer pops to help your body absorb water slowly. If the condition persists or you show signs of severe dehydration, it is important to seek medical attention.