Can you eat watermelon when you have a cold and fever?

It is acceptable to eat watermelon when you have a cold accompanied by fever. Watermelon is rich in various nutrients and can be very helpful in relieving symptoms of cold and fever. The specific benefits are as follows:

Watermelon is a cooling fruit that helps clear heat and promote body fluid production. It has a very high water content. During a cold with fever, the body loses significant amounts of water through heat dissipation at the skin surface, which may lead to dehydration. Eating watermelon can help replenish lost fluids. Additionally, its diuretic effect promotes urination, which carries away some internal heat and thus aids in reducing fever.

Watermelon is rich in vitamin C and pectin. Consuming watermelon during a cold can enhance the body's resistance and promote recovery. If fever persists, antipyretic medications should be taken along with physical cooling methods. Watermelon also contains relatively high sugar content, providing a beneficial energy supplement for patients suffering from increased energy expenditure due to fever.

However, it should be noted that if the illness is gastroenteritis-type influenza accompanied by diarrhea, watermelon intake should be minimized to avoid worsening gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea. Therefore, individuals with cold and fever are advised to visit the respiratory department at a hospital for relevant examinations—such as chest CT scans and complete blood counts—to establish an accurate diagnosis before beginning treatment. At this time, patients should consume easily digestible foods, drink plenty of fluids, and eat more fresh vegetables and fruits to supplement vitamins, all of which support cold treatment and aid in restoring normal body temperature.