What Should I Eat When I Have a Fever?
Quick answer: Focus on fluids first — staying hydrated is critical when you have a fever. Eat light, easy-to-digest foods like broth, fruit, and plain rice. Avoid heavy or fatty meals.
What to Eat
Chicken or vegetable broth/soup
Hydrates, provide electrolytes, and the warmth can help ease discomfort.
Water, herbal teas, diluted ORS
Fever increases fluid loss through sweating — you need more hydration than usual.
Soft fruits (oranges, watermelon, grapes)
High water content, vitamin C, and easy to eat with a reduced appetite.
Plain yoghurt
Probiotics support immunity; protein without needing much digestive effort.
Oatmeal (plain)
Easy to digest, provides sustained energy when appetite is low.
Honey
Has antimicrobial properties and soothes a sore throat that often accompanies fever.
Eggs (scrambled, soft)
Efficient source of protein and vitamins to support your immune system.
Leafy greens or vegetable soup
Vitamins A, C, and K support immune response.
What to Avoid
Alcohol
Dehydrates you — exactly the opposite of what your body needs during a fever.
Caffeinated drinks
Can dehydrate you and disrupt the sleep your body needs to recover.
Fried or fatty foods
Hard to digest when your body is directing energy toward fighting infection.
Sugary processed foods
Can suppress immune function and spike inflammation.
Raw vegetables
Harder to digest when unwell — choose cooked or juiced instead.
Hydration
Drink 8–10 glasses of fluid per day during a fever. For every degree Celsius above 37°C, you need approximately 200 ml extra fluid. ORS is ideal if sweating heavily.
Tips
- •Appetite loss is normal during a fever — don't force large meals.
- •Focus on liquids first; solid food can wait if your stomach isn't ready.
- •See a doctor if fever exceeds 39.5°C (103°F), lasts more than 3 days, or is accompanied by severe symptoms.
- •Cooling foods like watermelon and cucumber can help you feel more comfortable.