Why is it necessary to drink more water during the flu?
Jun 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
Influenza usually refers to the flu. Generally, there are several reasons why it is important to drink more water during influenza: to replenish fluids lost from fever, promote fever reduction and heat dissipation, dilute sputum to facilitate its expulsion, maintain mucosal barrier function, and accelerate the elimination of metabolic waste. If experiencing any discomfort symptoms, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a正规 hospital.
Influenza usually refers to Influenza. Generally, there are several reasons why it is important to drink more water during influenza: replenishing fluids lost from fever, promoting fever reduction and heat dissipation, thinning mucus to facilitate its expulsion, maintaining mucosal barrier function, and accelerating the elimination of metabolic waste. If symptoms persist, it is recommended to seek timely medical treatment at a qualified hospital. A detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Replenishing fluids lost from fever
Influenza often accompanies fever, and elevated body temperature causes the body to lose more fluids through evaporation from the skin and respiration. Drinking more water helps replace fluids lost due to fever and prevents dehydration.
2. Promoting fever reduction and heat dissipation
Water can aid in heat dissipation through the evaporation of sweat. Additionally, increased water intake boosts blood volume, allowing fever-reducing medications to circulate more effectively throughout the body and enhancing their fever-lowering effects.
3. Thinning mucus to facilitate expulsion
During influenza, respiratory secretions increase. Drinking more water moistens the respiratory tract, thins viscous mucus, reduces its stickiness, and facilitates its removal through coughing, thereby alleviating airway obstruction.
4. Maintaining mucosal barrier function
Adequate hydration keeps the respiratory mucosa moist, enhances its ability to resist viruses, and decreases the likelihood of viral attachment and invasion into mucosal cells.
5. Accelerating the elimination of metabolic waste
Increased water intake raises urine output, promoting the excretion of metabolic waste products such as viral metabolites and drug toxins through the kidneys, thus reducing the burden on the body.
In addition to drinking more water, patients with influenza should also follow medical advice to use medications such as Ganmaoling Granules, Oseltamivir Phosphate Capsules, and antiviral oral liquids. However, it should be noted that water intake should be moderate, as excessive water consumption may increase the burden on the kidneys.
