Which drink is good when you have a fever?

December 19, 2025 •

6 min read

According to the World Health Organization, fever is a common indicator of a wide range of illnesses, signaling the body's natural immune response. As your body temperature rises, staying hydrated becomes crucial to replenish lost fluids and support your recovery, making your beverage choices a key part of your care.

Quick Summary

This article explores the best hydrating and soothing beverages to consume during a fever, detailing why specific drinks like water, broths, and herbal teas are beneficial. It explains how these fluids help maintain electrolyte balance and support the immune system while listing drinks to avoid and highlighting the importance of hydration for recovery.

Key Points

Stay Hydrated: The most important step is to drink plenty of fluids, with plain water being the best option for general hydration.
Choose Warm Broths and Teas: Warm liquids like chicken broth and herbal teas are excellent for providing hydration, electrolytes, and soothing a sore throat.
Replenish Electrolytes When Needed: If experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, use oral rehydration solutions or diluted sports drinks to restore lost minerals effectively.
Avoid Dehydrating Beverages: Steer clear of alcohol, caffeine, and high-sugar sodas, which can exacerbate dehydration.
Moderate Juice Intake: Limit fruit juice consumption due to high sugar content, but small amounts of 100% juice can offer vitamins.
Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to signs of dehydration, and always consult a doctor if your fever is severe or persistent.

Why Hydration Is Critical During a Fever

When you have a fever, your body's metabolic rate increases, causing you to lose fluids more quickly, primarily through sweating. This fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which can worsen symptoms, strain your cardiovascular system, and delay recovery. Proper hydration helps your body regulate its temperature, transport immune cells, and flush out toxins. Dehydration symptoms can include extreme thirst, dark-colored urine, fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth. Choosing the right fluids is essential for replenishing what you've lost and providing comfort. The right drink can not only rehydrate but also provide essential electrolytes and nutrients your body needs to fight off the infection.

The Best Drinks to Sip When Sick

Staying hydrated during a fever doesn't have to mean just plain water, though it is the most fundamental choice. A variety of other fluids can provide hydration and additional benefits like soothing a sore throat or replenishing electrolytes.

Water: The most important drink, plain water is the best way to prevent dehydration. Aim to drink more than your usual daily amount. If you find it unappealing, adding a slice of lemon or lime can add a little flavor.
Broths and Soups: Warm chicken, beef, or vegetable broth is an excellent choice. It provides fluids and electrolytes and can be easier to stomach than solid foods when your appetite is low. The warmth can also help soothe a sore throat and clear nasal congestion.
Herbal Teas: Chamomile, ginger, and peppermint teas are comforting and can help with various fever symptoms. Ginger tea can help ease nausea and congestion, while peppermint tea acts as a natural decongestant. Adding a spoonful of honey can also soothe a cough, but avoid giving honey to children under 1.
Electrolyte Drinks: For cases involving significant fluid loss from vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating, electrolyte solutions are beneficial. Options like Pedialyte (especially for children) or diluted sports drinks can help restore lost minerals like sodium and potassium. Always consider lower-sugar versions to avoid excess sugar, which can sometimes worsen diarrhea.
100% Fruit Juices: Small amounts of 100% fruit juice, especially those high in Vitamin C like orange or grapefruit juice, can provide a nutrient boost. However, juices are high in sugar and should be consumed in moderation, as too much can irritate the stomach or contribute to diarrhea.
Warm Lemon Water with Honey: A classic remedy, this simple drink soothes the throat, provides a bit of vitamin C, and helps with hydration. Remember to never give honey to infants under one year old.
Popsicles or Gelatin: For individuals, especially children, who have trouble drinking, popsicles or gelatin can be a great way to take in fluids and calories while also soothing a sore throat.

What to Avoid Drinking When Sick

Just as some drinks help, others can hinder your recovery. It's crucial to know which beverages to steer clear of when you have a fever.

Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, black tea, and energy drinks are diuretics, meaning they cause you to urinate more frequently, leading to further dehydration. Stick to decaffeinated herbal teas instead.
Sugary Beverages: Sodas and excessively sweetened juices can weaken the immune system and potentially worsen inflammation. High sugar content can also exacerbate diarrhea.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a dehydrating agent that can also interfere with medications and your body's ability to fight infection. It is best to avoid it entirely until you have fully recovered.
Extremely Cold Drinks: While a cold drink may sound appealing, icy liquids can sometimes irritate a sore throat or worsen congestion. Warm or room-temperature fluids are often a better choice.

Comparison of Drinks for Fever


Drink	Benefits	Cautions	Best For
Water	Essential for hydration; flushes toxins.	Can be plain, might require added flavor for some.	General hydration; all ages.
Broths (Chicken/Vegetable)	Provides fluids, electrolytes, and nutrients; soothes sore throat.	High sodium content in some store-bought options.	When appetite is low; soothing symptoms.
Herbal Tea	Hydrating, soothing, can ease specific symptoms (e.g., nausea, congestion).	Check for caffeine in certain blends; avoid honey for infants.	Sore throat, congestion, nausea.
Electrolyte Drinks	Replenishes vital minerals lost through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea.	Can contain high sugar levels; opt for low-sugar versions.	Moderate to severe dehydration; stomach issues.
100% Fruit Juices	Provides Vitamin C and fluids.	High sugar content can worsen diarrhea; moderate intake.	Short-term vitamin boost; flavor variety.
Popsicles/Gelatin	Easy to consume; provides fluid and calories; soothes throat.	High sugar content; not a comprehensive source of nutrients.	Children or those with low appetite; sore throat relief.

Conclusion

When a fever strikes, prioritizing proper hydration is the most important step for recovery. While plain water is always a solid choice, incorporating nutrient-rich fluids like warm broths and soothing herbal teas can help ease specific symptoms and provide comfort. Understanding which drinks to consume and which to avoid, like caffeinated or high-sugar beverages, can significantly impact how quickly and comfortably you recover. Always remember to listen to your body and seek medical advice if your fever is persistent, very high, or accompanied by severe symptoms. Staying hydrated is a simple yet powerful way to support your immune system and get back on your feet faster.

Hydration for Fever: Stay hydrated with plain water, broths, herbal teas, and electrolyte solutions during a fever to support your immune system and speed up recovery.

Soothing Symptoms: Choose warm broths and herbal teas to help alleviate sore throats and congestion associated with fever. Avoid Dehydrating Drinks: Steer clear of caffeinated beverages, alcohol, and high-sugar drinks like soda, which can worsen dehydration and hinder recovery. Replenish Electrolytes: Use oral rehydration solutions or broths if you experience significant fluid loss from sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. Watch Sugar Intake: Opt for low-sugar electrolyte drinks and consume fruit juice in moderation to avoid irritating your stomach. Children's Considerations: Offer oral rehydration solutions or popsicles to children who may not want to drink plain water, but never give honey to children under one year old. Seek Medical Advice: Consult a healthcare professional if fever is high, persistent, or accompanied by severe symptoms like confusion or painful abdominal issues.

Is chicken soup good for a fever?

Yes, chicken soup is an excellent choice for a fever. The broth provides essential fluids and electrolytes, while the warm temperature can help soothe a sore throat and clear congestion.

Should I drink hot or cold drinks with a fever?

For a fever, warm or room-temperature drinks are generally recommended over very cold ones. While a cool drink might feel good momentarily, icy liquids can sometimes aggravate a sore throat or worsen congestion. Warm liquids can also be very soothing.

Can I have juice when I have a fever?

Yes, but in moderation. Opt for 100% fruit juice, ideally diluted with water. Juices can provide some vitamins but are also high in sugar, which can sometimes worsen diarrhea or cause stomach upset.

Are electrolyte drinks necessary for every fever?

Electrolyte drinks are particularly helpful if you are experiencing significant fluid loss due to heavy sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. For a standard fever without these issues, plain water is typically sufficient for hydration.

What drinks should I avoid during a fever?

You should avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee and black tea, alcohol, and highly sugary drinks like soda. These can all contribute to dehydration and can negatively impact your immune system's function.

Is ginger tea good for a fever?

Yes, ginger tea is a great option. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help with nausea and congestion often associated with being sick. A cup of warm ginger tea can be very comforting.

Why is hydration so important when I have a fever?

During a fever, your body's temperature rises, increasing your metabolic rate and causing fluid loss through sweating. Hydration is critical to replace these lost fluids, regulate your body temperature, and help your immune system effectively fight the infection.

How does fever increase the risk of dehydration?

Fever increases body temperature, which triggers sweating as a natural cooling mechanism. This process, along with increased metabolism and immune activity, causes a faster loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body, leading to dehydration if not adequately replenished.

Can dehydration cause a fever?

Dehydration can sometimes contribute to a low-grade fever, but it is more common for a fever caused by an infection to lead to dehydration. A fever increases your body's fluid needs, and failing to meet those needs can result in dehydration.

Frequently Asked Questions

While there isn't one single 'best' drink, water is the most fundamental and effective for hydration during a fever. However, warm broth or herbal tea can provide additional nutrients and comfort.

Small amounts of diluted 100% fruit juice can be given, but oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte are often better for children, especially if they are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.

Sports drinks can help replenish electrolytes lost during heavy sweating, but they are often high in sugar. Opt for lower-sugar versions or dilute them with water, and prioritize plain water or broth for most cases.

Warm beverages can feel soothing and help with congestion without raising your core body temperature significantly. In fact, they can trigger a sweat response which helps cool the body.

It's important to be proactive about hydration, especially during a fever. Don't wait until you're extremely thirsty, as that is already a sign of dehydration. Sip fluids consistently throughout the day.

An oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a drink that contains specific proportions of water, salts, and sugars to help the body absorb and retain fluids more effectively than plain water. It is especially useful for rehydrating after significant fluid loss from vomiting or diarrhea.

While milk is hydrating, some people find that dairy can increase mucus production. If you can tolerate it, a soothing warm milk with turmeric can be beneficial, but if you have a lot of congestion, you might want to stick to clear fluids.

Key signs include extreme thirst, dark yellow urine, infrequent urination, fatigue, dizziness, and dry mouth. In infants, signs may include no wet diapers for several hours or a sunken soft spot.

A fruit smoothie can be a good option as it provides fluids, nutrients, and calories in an easy-to-consume form, especially if you have a low appetite. Using ingredients like yogurt can also provide probiotics, which aid gut health.