The Importance of Hydration During Viral Infections!
By Dr. Soo

When your little heroes are feeling sick with a viral infection, hydration is super important! 🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ It’s one of the simplest yet most powerful ways to support their recovery. As a pediatrician, I often get questions from parents who are concerned when their child refuses to eat or drink while they’re unwell. While a reduced appetite during illness is normal, what we need to pay close attention to is hydration—because staying well-hydrated can help children feel better, recover faster, and prevent complications.

Why Is Hydration So Important?

Our bodies are made up of about 60% water, and fluids are essential for nearly every bodily function—from regulating body temperature and flushing out toxins, to transporting nutrients and maintaining healthy organs. When a child has a viral infection, such as the common cold, influenza, or hand-foot-and-mouth disease, their body may lose more fluids than usual and require even more to function well.

Here’s why hydration becomes even more important during illness:

1. Fever Increases Fluid Loss 
A fever is a common symptom of viral infections. As your child’s body heats up to fight off the virus, they lose more water through sweat. Fever also speeds up the body’s metabolism, increasing the need for fluids.

2. Vomiting and Diarrhoea
Certain viral infections, like rotavirus or norovirus, can cause vomiting and diarrhea, which lead to rapid fluid and electrolyte loss. If not replenished, this can result in dehydration very quickly—especially in young children.

3. Poor Appetite and Reduced Fluid Intake
Children who are sick often don’t feel like eating or drinking. They may be tired, have a sore throat, or just be irritable. This reduced intake, combined with fluid loss, creates a risk for dehydration.

4. Helps Thin Mucus
Hydration helps to thin mucus in the nasal passages and respiratory tract. This can make it easier for children to breathe and cough up phlegm, which helps clear out the infection more efficiently.

5. Supports the Immune System
Staying hydrated supports overall immune function. Fluids help transport white blood cells and nutrients through the bloodstream, enabling the body to mount an effective response to infection.

Signs of Dehydration in Children

Recognizing the early signs of dehydration can help prevent it from becoming severe. Here’s what to look out for:

• Dry mouth and tongue

• Less frequent urination or dark yellow urine

• Crying without tears

• Sunken eyes or fontanelle (soft spot on a baby’s head)

• Cool, mottled hands or feet

• Lethargy, irritability, or unusual drowsiness

• Fast breathing or increased heart rate

If your child shows any of these signs and is refusing to drink, consult your pediatrician right away.

How Much Fluid Does My Child Need?

The amount of fluid a child needs depends on their age, size, and the severity of their symptoms. As a general guide:

• Infants (0–6 months): Should ideally be breastfed or formula-fed frequently. Avoid giving plain water unless advised by a doctor.

• Babies (6–12 months): May be given small amounts of water along with milk feeds and fluid-rich foods like porridge or soup.

• Toddlers and older children: Offer water regularly, and include other hydrating options like diluted juices, soups, or oral rehydration solutions (ORS).

A good rule of thumb is to offer fluids frequently and in small amounts. Even a few sips every 10–15 minutes can make a big difference.

What Fluids Are Best?

Here are some child-friendly hydration options when your child is sick:

• Plain water – The best and simplest option

• Breast milk or formula – Essential for babies under 1 year

• Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) – Specially designed to replace fluids and electrolytes

• Diluted fruit juice – Not too sugary; offers some calories and vitamins

• Coconut water – Natural and contains electrolytes

• Soups or broths – Gentle on the tummy and nourishing

• Ice chips or popsicles – Fun for toddlers and good for sore throats

Avoid giving sugary drinks, soda, or undiluted juice, as they can worsen diarrhea and provide little nutritional value.

Tips to Encourage Hydration

Getting a sick child to drink can be tricky. Here are some parent-tested strategies:

• Offer fluids in fun cups or with colorful straws

• Try cold fluids, which can be more soothing

• Offer ice pops or jelly, which count toward fluid intake

• Give small amounts frequently, like a few spoonfuls at a time

• Let them choose their drink to feel more in control

• Set hydration goals with praise or small rewards

When to See a Doctor

If your child is refusing to drink, vomiting everything they take in, or showing signs of moderate to severe dehydration, they may need medical attention. Other warning signs that should prompt a visit to the clinic or emergency department include:

• Fever lasting more than 3 days

• Rapid breathing or difficulty breathing

• Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea

• Extreme sleepiness or unresponsiveness

• Not urinating for more than 8 hours

Early intervention can prevent complications and keep your little one on the road to recovery.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Soo

Hydration is often underestimated during a childhood illness, but it plays a major role in supporting your child’s healing process. Even when your child isn’t eating much, ensuring they get enough fluids is essential.

As parents, your love, attention, and care mean everything to your child. By keeping a close eye on their hydration, offering fluids frequently, and seeking help when needed, you’re giving your little superhero the best chance at bouncing back quickly and safely.

Remember, you’re not alone. If you’re ever unsure, reach out to your pediatrician—we’re here to help you every step of the way.

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Dr. Soo is a dedicated pediatrician with a passion for child health and wellness. With years of experience, Dr. Soo strives to educate parents on effective ways to improve their children’s health and well-being.