Which Water to Drink in a Fever for Fast Recovery

November 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Yale New Haven Health, staying hydrated is crucial when you are ill and have a fever, as it helps your body fight infections and regulate temperature. When considering which water to drink in a fever, the best choice depends on your symptoms and overall hydration needs beyond simple fluid replenishment.

Quick Summary

This article explores the best types of water and other hydrating fluids to drink during a fever. It covers the benefits of plain water, electrolyte-rich options, and herbal teas, while also highlighting beverages to avoid to support a faster recovery.

Key Points

Prioritize Plain Water: Sip room-temperature or cool plain water frequently to prevent dehydration during a fever.
Replenish Electrolytes if Needed: Opt for oral rehydration solutions, coconut water, or broth if you experience vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating.
Avoid Sugary and Caffeinated Drinks: Stay away from sodas, energy drinks, and coffee, as they can dehydrate you and hinder your immune response.
Choose Comforting Warmth: Warm, decaffeinated herbal teas can soothe a sore throat and provide comfort without causing vasoconstriction associated with ice-cold beverages.
Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol during a fever, as it dehydrates the body and interferes with the healing process.
Use Lukewarm Water for Cooling: A lukewarm bath or sponging is recommended for cooling down, as cold water can cause shivering and increase core body temperature.

The Importance of Proper Hydration During a Fever

When you have a fever, your body's metabolic rate increases, and you lose significant amounts of fluid through sweating and increased respiration. This fluid loss can lead to dehydration, which can make you feel more unwell and slow down your recovery. Severe dehydration can lead to dangerously low blood pressure and a rapid heartbeat. Therefore, consistently replenishing fluids is essential for supporting your immune system and managing symptoms like headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Fluids

Temperature: While cold drinks can feel soothing, some experts suggest that consuming very cold water can cause temporary vasoconstriction in the throat, which might inhibit the body's natural healing processes for a minor illness. A better approach for many is room temperature or slightly chilled water. Conversely, if you have chills, a warm (not hot) beverage like herbal tea or broth can be more comforting.
Electrolyte Balance: A fever can deplete electrolytes like sodium and potassium, especially if accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. In these cases, drinking plain water alone may not be enough to restore the necessary balance. Electrolyte-enriched drinks can be beneficial here.
Added Sugars: Avoid excessively sugary drinks like certain sports drinks and sodas. While they contain water, the high sugar content can suppress your immune system and potentially worsen inflammation. Opt for lower-sugar or natural alternatives.

Best Fluids to Drink When Fighting a Fever

Plain Water: The simplest and most effective option for general hydration. Sip regularly throughout the day to keep your body replenished without overwhelming your stomach. Filtered or spring water is ideal for ensuring purity.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) and Electrolyte Drinks: Recommended for cases involving significant fluid and electrolyte loss from vomiting or diarrhea. For children under one year, a solution like Pedialyte is specifically formulated to replenish fluids and salts. Adults can use commercial electrolyte drinks or make a simple homemade version using water, salt, and honey or sugar.
Herbal Teas: Decaffeinated herbal teas like ginger, chamomile, or peppermint can be very soothing. Ginger is known for anti-inflammatory properties, while peppermint can act as a natural decongestant. Adding a teaspoon of honey can also help soothe a sore throat.
Broth or Soup: Chicken or vegetable broth provides fluids, electrolytes (salt), and some nutrients, which is helpful if you have a low appetite. Warm broth can also help clear nasal congestion.
Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes, including potassium, making it an effective choice for rehydration.

Comparison of Hydrating Fluids for Fever


Fluid Type	Best For	Pros	Cons	Notes
Plain Water	General Hydration	Readily available, zero calories, no sugar	Lacks electrolytes for severe fluid loss	Should be the primary choice for most fevers.
Oral Rehydration Solutions	Severe Dehydration, Vomiting/Diarrhea	Optimal balance of electrolytes and fluids	May contain artificial colors or flavors	Best for quickly replacing lost salts and minerals.
Herbal Tea (Decaf)	Soothing Sore Throats, Warm Comfort	Anti-inflammatory properties, comforting warmth	Minimal electrolyte content	Great for managing cold and flu symptoms alongside a fever.
Broth/Soup	Low Appetite, Nutrient Replenishment	Provides salt, protein, and nutrients	Can be high in sodium	Offers both hydration and nutrition when solid food is unappealing.
Coconut Water	Natural Electrolyte Boost	Good source of potassium, naturally hydrating	Higher sugar content than plain water	Excellent for natural electrolyte replenishment.
Diluted Fruit Juice	Extra Vitamins, Palatable Flavor	Vitamin C boost, easy to consume	High in sugar if not diluted	Always dilute with water to prevent sugar spikes and support hydration.

What to Avoid During a Fever

To support your body's recovery, it's best to steer clear of certain beverages:

Caffeinated Drinks: Coffee, black tea, and energy drinks are diuretics and can lead to further dehydration.
Sugary Drinks: Sodas and concentrated, sweetened juices can increase inflammation and dehydrate you due to their high sugar content.
Alcohol: This is a major dehydrator and interferes with your body's ability to fight infection.
Very Cold Drinks (for some): While some sources conflict, many recommend avoiding ice-cold drinks if they cause discomfort or worsen congestion. Lukewarm or room temperature is often better tolerated.

The Importance of Gradual Sips

When you're nauseous or have a low appetite during a fever, drinking too much fluid too quickly can upset your stomach. Instead of chugging large amounts of water, take small, frequent sips. This gradual approach allows your body to absorb fluids more effectively without causing more discomfort. For children, popsicles or ice chips can be a fun way to get them to stay hydrated.

Conclusion

For most people managing a fever, plain water at a comfortable temperature is the best choice for staying hydrated and supporting the immune system. However, if you are experiencing excessive fluid loss through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, incorporating an oral rehydration solution or natural electrolyte-rich options like coconut water or broth is highly recommended. Avoiding caffeinated, sugary, and alcoholic drinks is essential for a quicker recovery. By being mindful of your hydration needs and making smart fluid choices, you can provide your body with the necessary support to recover effectively from a fever.

A Note on Tap Water

While many people drink tap water safely, some may prefer filtered or spring water, especially when ill. Tap water quality varies, and contaminants are a potential concern, though rare in many developed areas. If you have concerns, using a water filter or opting for bottled spring water is a safe alternative during your recovery. Consult a healthcare professional if you have any doubts about your local tap water's safety or if your fever persists or worsens.

Mayo Clinic recommends staying hydrated with water, juices, and broth when fighting a fever.

Resources

Yale New Haven Health offers tips on staying hydrated when sick. Better Health Channel provides general advice on managing a fever.

Frequently Asked Questions

For most people, drinking water that is at room temperature or slightly cool is best. While cold water may feel refreshing, it can cause some people to shiver, potentially increasing core body temperature. Warm liquids like decaffeinated herbal tea or broth can be more comforting, especially if you have chills.

Experts recommend increasing your fluid intake significantly during a fever. For adults, aiming for 2 to 3 liters of fluid over 24 hours is a good guideline, focusing on sipping frequently throughout the day rather than drinking large amounts at once.

Electrolyte drinks are particularly helpful if your fever is accompanied by vomiting, diarrhea, or heavy sweating, as these symptoms cause a loss of essential minerals like sodium and potassium. For a mild fever with normal fluid retention, plain water is usually sufficient.

If you want juice, opt for diluted fruit juices that are low in sugar, such as those high in vitamin C like orange juice. Diluting the juice with water is crucial to prevent sugar spikes and to aid in hydration.

While sports drinks contain electrolytes, many are also high in sugar, which can negatively impact the immune system. For adults, diluting the drink or choosing a lower-sugar version is a better option. For children, a pediatrician-recommended oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte is often safer and more effective.

You can drink tap water as long as it is safe and clean. However, some individuals prefer filtered or spring water during an illness to minimize the risk of consuming any potential contaminants. If you have any concerns about your local water quality, use a filter or choose bottled water.

Common signs of dehydration include a dry mouth, extreme thirst, reduced or dark-colored urine, dizziness, and fatigue. Children might also show signs of low energy or fewer wet diapers. Consistent fluid intake is the best prevention.