Why is it important to drink water when sick and feverish?

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Fever is the body's response to a viral or bacterial infection, sunburn, or vaccination. Drinking enough water is important in reducing fever effectively and preventing serious complications.

1. Why is it important to drink a lot of water when you have a fever?

Drinking plenty of water during a fever is a good way to rehydrate someone with a fever when their body has already consumed large amounts of water through sweat and breathing. Some recommended drinks for people with fever are filtered water, mineral water, juice, iced tea. In addition, if you have health problems that make it difficult to store water in your body, suck on shaved ice for better water absorption.

2. 6 steps to reduce fever safely and effectively

If you or a loved one has a fever, follow these steps to lower a fever:
Take your temperature: A fever of 38 degrees Celsius or higher Lie in bed and rest Drink plenty of fluids when you have a fever.

Use fever-reducing medications: Over-the-counter fever reducers such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen can be purchased at a drugstore. Note to use the drug with appropriate dosage and not to use it with other antipyretic drugs; Aspirin should not be given to infants and young children without first consulting a doctor. Infants under 6 months of age should not take ibuprofen. Undress: Take off layers of clothing and remove blankets when you have a fever, unless you have chills. Take a warm bath or apply a cold compress: Avoid cold showers, ice baths, alcohol, or massages. Regardless of the number on the thermometer, if you feel worried about your health, call 911 or have someone take you to the hospital for more effective and safe treatment.

3. Symptoms of fever and unusual signs

Everyone's tolerance to fever is different. There are people with low fever who feel very uncomfortable and tired. In contrast, there are people with a high fever above 39 degrees Celsius who still feel normal. You should rely on your overall comfort level and symptoms to decide how to treat a fever.
Symptoms of possible fever include:
Feeling weak or light-headed Eating loss of appetite Headache Muscle aches Sweating Chills Nausea Vomiting Rash If the rash is accompanied by fever you should seek medical advice doctor to help determine the root cause of the rash. Other symptoms such as nausea or vomiting are usually treated more quickly in the hospital. If the fever is above 39.4°C, you should seek medical attention immediately. Especially in the case of accompanying symptoms of confusion, hallucinations or convulsions.

4. If you have a fever, when should you go to the doctor?

Fever can lead to serious complications in young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems. Therefore, depending on age, accompanying symptoms and temperature, it is time to decide when to see a doctor.
4.1. Infants and toddlers Infants under 3 months of age should seek medical attention if a fever is 38°C or higher even if no accompanying symptoms are present. Infants 3 to 6 months of age should seek medical attention with a fever of 38.9°C or higher, or a lower fever but accompanied by other symptoms such as crying, convulsions, sweating, vomiting, etc. .. Children 6 months to 2 years old with a temperature equal to or above 38.9°C can take OTC medications under a doctor's supervision. Parents should also provide the doctor with important information regarding fever such as fever that lasts more than a day, severity, or fever that does not go away with medication. MORE: What to do when a child has a fever? Guidelines for the care of a child with a fever
4.2. Children and adolescents Children 2 to 17 years of age usually do not need medication to reduce fever if the temperature is below 38.9°C. Medications used can help relieve accompanying symptoms such as discomfort or muscle aches. If the fever is higher than 38.9°C, medicine can be given to reduce the fever. If the child feels very uncomfortable, or if the fever persists for more than 3 days, you should consult a doctor.
4.3. Adult

Adults 18 years of age and older with a fever below 38.9°C usually do not need antipyretics. If the fever is high above 39.4°C or is not responding to medication, you should seek medical attention. Adults with fever accompanied by other symptoms such as stiff neck, severe pain anywhere on the body, difficulty breathing, should seek medical attention immediately. People over 65 with a fever should seek medical attention if they have symptoms such as difficulty breathing or confusion. You should also consult your doctor if the fever rises above 38.9°C or does not subside within 2 days. You can try over-the-counter medications, but make sure they don't conflict with any other medications you're taking.

5. Fever treatment for immunocompromised people

If you have a compromised immune system, you should see a doctor. A compromised immune system is common in people with HIV, cancer, or autoimmune diseases.
Fever is often a sign of infection. Sometimes, these infections progress quickly or are difficult to treat. So, if you have a compromised immune system, it's important to get medical help right away to treat a fever.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

References: webmd.com, mayoclinic.org, healthline.com