How to Stay Hydrated During Fever or Flu: When you are sick with a fever or flu, it can feel like your body is completely drained. You might be sweating a lot, feeling hot one moment and cold the next or just too worn out to even sit. But no matter how sick you feel, there is one thing you truly must do: stay hydrated. Water might not seem like a powerful medicine, but it plays a crucial role in helping your body heal.
Why is hydration vital?
When you’re down with a fever or the flu, your body starts losing fluids at a faster rate than usual. The heat makes you sweat more as your system works hard to cool itself down. Additionally, your breathing may speed up, which is another way that moisture is lost with each breath. If you’re vomiting or have diarrhoea, there’s even more fluid loss. You may not want to eat or drink, so you’re not replacing what you’re losing. All of this water loss adds up to one big risk: dehydration.
Dehydration might be making your symptoms worse. When your body lacks water, it struggles to fight infection efficiently, leaving you more tired and dizzy and dealing with that dreaded dry mouth. Recovery slows down, and every system in your body starts working a little less effectively.
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What are the signs that indicate dehydration?
You should be alert for signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth, dry lips, dizziness or lightheadedness, dark yellow urine, and infrequent urination. If you are experiencing all of these symptoms, it’s time for you to take some action and drink up.
How much should you drink?
There is no exact rule because everyone is different. But a general tip is to just try drinking small amounts often throughout the day. If you are sick, aim for at least 8 to 10 cups of fluid a day. If you are sweating excessively or losing fluids due to vomiting or diarrhoea, you may need to drink even more than 10 cups of fluid per day.
Best drinks to stay hydrated
- Water is the most obvious and important drink. If cold water feels too harsh, try warm or room-temperature water.
- Oral rehydration solutions are drinks that contain the right mixture of salt, sugar, and minerals. These drinks help your body absorb more water, especially if you’re dealing with vomiting or diarrhoea. You can find these packets at pharmacies, or you can make your own at home.
- Herbal teas like ginger or peppermint can be soothing. They can help you hydrate and also ease symptoms like nausea, a sore throat, or an upset stomach.
- Coconut water is packed with natural electrolytes and is excellent for rehydration. Additionally, it’s gentle on the stomach.
- Fruit-infused water or diluted juice is your best bet if you feel plain water is boring. This gives you a hint of flavour and a gentle energy boost from natural sugars without overloading your system.
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When you’re battling a fever or the flu, staying hydrated might seem like a small thing. But it’s everything. Fluids help your body fight infection, regulate temperature, and keep your energy levels up. Every sip counts toward a faster recovery.
