Why push fluids when sick

By clicking the link s above, you will be taken to an external website that is independently operated and not managed by GSK. GSK assumes no responsibility for the content on the website. If you do not wish to leave this website, do not click on the links above. Sinus and nasal congestion. And you know what? Fluid loss is caused by different symptoms of the common cold and flu. If you are running a fever at all , Dass says that can draw water and electrolytes out of your body as sweat.

If you are vomiting or experiencing diarrhea , water loss is even greater and occurs at a faster rate. Put any or all of these things together, and that could add up to a substantial hydration deficit, Dass says. There are a number of ways you can help prevent dehydration, especially if you have the cold or flu.

Available in individual packets, hot liquid powders are easy to make at home or work and can help you start feeling better fast no matter where you are. It also can happen when children don't want to drink because they have mouth sores or a sore throat.

Kids also can get dehydrated in hot weather or when they are very active. Treatment for dehydration depends on how severe it is. Kids with mild dehydration can get extra liquids at home. Kids with more severe dehydration may need treatment in the ER or hospital.

Mild dehydration is treated with oral by mouth rehydration. This usually includes giving oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte, or a store brand. It has the right amounts of water, sugar, and salt to help with dehydration. You can buy it without a prescription at drugstores or supermarkets.

There are other fluids that can help with dehydration. More severe symptoms include confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, and rapid heart rate. If you fear you may have serious dehydration, Banach recommends being evaluated in the emergency department in case you need intravenous fluids.

Of course, you can also overdo it in the other direction: There's such a thing as overhydration , which poses its own unique set of problems—such as dangerously low sodium levels in the blood. But for most people, that's generally not a risk they'll run unless they really overdo it; a healthy adult male would have to drink close to six gallons in a day to risk those kinds of side effects.

Generally speaking, if you're running a fever, it helps to be liberal when it comes to refilling your water glass: Bernacki recommends drinking an additional eight ounces of water than you normally would for every degree of body temperature you have over Bernacki also subscribes to the idea that 64 ounces of water a day is a good median baseline to shoot for.

It's something that any person who becomes sick with a virus, particularly the flu, needs to be aware of. Bernacki also says proper hydration can help your body use medication better, which may lead to a quicker alleviation of symptoms. Most of the time, you'll simply want to shoot for drinking six to eight glasses of water a day, increasing that intake if you have a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting. And if you're really losing liquids, replenish your body with an electrolyte-enhanced beverage.