Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever? The Truth about Medical Myths

Featured Expert:

• Rachel Dawkins

Medical myths about how to best treat fever, fight colds or manage injuries are everywhere, sometimes handed down through generations. Rachel Dawkins, M.D., from Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital clarifies fact from fiction.

Feed a cold, starve a fever?

False. Both fevers and colds can cause dehydration. It’s best to make sure kids drink plenty of liquids when they are sick. It’s also OK to eat if you have fever. Good nutrition may help keep your child from feeling as run down while they are sick. Also it’s OK to drink milk while sick. It does not cause phlegm.

Does green or yellow mucus signal bacterial infection or sinusitis?

False. The color of snot has nothing to do with the type of infection. This is probably the most common misconception. The color is dependent on dead white blood cells and how long they’ve sat in the nasal passage. Sinus infections should not typically be diagnosed based on color of snot. If you’ve been sick for more than 10-14 days then it’s a good idea to see your doctor.

If you go outside with wet hair, will you catch a cold or pneumonia?

False. Cold weather and wet hair don’t cause colds. Viruses do. It’s common to get colds in the wintertime because in most parts of the country people are stuck inside in closer quarters—unable to get away from the germs of sick friends or relatives.

Is fever dangerous?

False (for the most part). Fever is the body’s natural way to fight off infection. It does not melt the brain or cause brain damage. Fever is a symptom of an illness. Medicines like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help comfort a child with fever but it won’t treat the underlying illness. No need to put the child in an ice bath or rub down with rubbing alcohol if they have fever. The exception is heat stroke. If your child is experiencing heat stroke that is a medical emergency.

Should you put butter on a burn to help stop pain?

False. This is actually the most dangerous of all the urban legends. Butter and other ointments trap the heat to the skin and can make the burn worse. If your child has a mild burn, run the injury under cool water and seek medical attention.

Should you keep a child with a head injury awake?

Not necessarily. First of all, if your child has a severe head injury or losses consciousness, seek immediate medical attention. If your child has a minor head injury, it’s OK for your child to go to sleep as they usually would. Waking a sleepy child or trying to keep a sleepy child awake only makes the entire family cranky. If your child is otherwise breathing and acting normally, let him or her sleep. Again, please call your doctor or go to the emergency room if you are unsure.

The Johns Hopkins All Children’s General Pediatric clinics in St. Petersburg and Sarasota, Florida, provide primary care services that focus on the treatment and prevention of common conditions for children from newborns to adolescents. We offer a wide range of outpatient services, including routine checkups, treatment of minor illnesses, immunizations and care for behavioral problems.

Learn more about the General Pediatrics clinic

Feed a Cold, Starve a Fever: Fact or Fiction?

“Feed a cold, starve a fever.”

There’s a pretty good chance you’ve been on the receiving end of this advice, or perhaps you’ve given it. After all, this bit of popular wisdom has been around for centuries. But is it true? Does this advice really hold any weight?

In this article, we’ll explore basic self-care for a cold, the flu, and fever. And we’ll look into whether fasting is really a helpful strategy to help you get back on your feet when you have a fever.

Several websites, including Smithsonian.com and Scientific American, say it can be traced as far back as 1574. Apparently, that’s when a dictionary writer named John Withals wrote, “fasting is a great remedy of fever.”

Wherever it came from, it has become firmly entrenched in popular culture, and is still a popular piece of advice today.

It’s not unusual to lose your appetite when you’re sick. At times, not eating seems to help, but sometimes it can make you feel that much weaker. So, should you really starve a fever?

Not according to the medical experts at Cedars-Sinai, who call it fiction. Cold or flu, your immune system needs energy and nutrients to do its job, so eating and getting enough fluids is essential.

Harvard Medical School agrees, saying that there’s no need to eat more or less than usual if you have a cold or flu. Both institutions stress the importance of fluids.

Colds and flu are usually caused by a viral infection, but a fever can happen for many reasons, including:

• a bacterial infection
• inflammatory conditions
• side effect of some medications and vaccines
• dehydration or heatstroke

So, that brings up the next question: Does it matter what’s causing the fever? Are there some types of fever that should be starved?

A 2002 study suggested that eating nutrient-rich broth may help fight viral infections, while fasting may help the immune system fight bacterial infections. It’s worth noting that it was a small study, involving only six young, healthy males. Study authors acknowledged the need for more research.

In a 2016 study, researchers also found fasting to be helpful in fighting bacterial but not viral infections. However, this study was conducted on mice, not people.

There simply hasn’t been enough “feed a cold, starve a fever” research done on humans to know for certain. It’s further complicated by the fact that there are so many causes of a fever.

So, it’s probably best to eat when your stomach can handle it and to go light on food when it can’t. Either way, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses and they have common symptoms, like congestion and body aches. Flu symptoms tend to be more severe and involve fever.

Colds must run their course, but there are some things you can do to ease the symptoms.

• Drink lots of fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration.
• If you smoke, try to stop until your head clears up. Stay away from secondhand smoke if you can.
• Use a humidifier to moisten the air.
• Continue to eat healthy foods.

You can choose from over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as:

• nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for relief of aches and pains, like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin
• a decongestant or antihistamine to clear your head
• a cough suppressant to ease the symptoms of a cough
• throat lozenges to help soothe a sore, scratchy throat

Take these medications according to package instructions. If you have any concerns about mixing OTC products or how they’ll interact with your other medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If necessary, your doctor can prescribe stronger medicines to help control cough and congestion. Antibiotics do nothing for the common cold, since they don’t work on viruses.

Compared with a cold, the flu typically takes a lot more out of you, especially when you’re running a fever. You can try the same self-care measures as you would for a cold, plus:

• See your doctor if you’re at risk of complications due to a weakened immune system or conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
• Take antiviral medications if prescribed.
• Get plenty of rest. Don’t go to work or school until your temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

Because flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t help. The exception would be when complications of the flu lead to a secondary bacterial infection.

Even if you don’t have much of an appetite, you need energy to fight the flu. You don’t have to eat as much as usual, but it’s important to choose helpful foods.

If you have nausea and vomiting, try a little broth and dry crackers until it passes. Vomiting and diarrhea can get worse if you drink fruit juices, so stick to water until your stomach is stronger.

If you’ve got a fever, it means your immune system is fighting an infection. A low-grade fever may go away on its own within a few days.

To treat a fever:

• Stay hydrated with water, juice, or broth.
• Eat when you feel hungry and your stomach can tolerate it.
• Avoid bundling up too much. Although fever makes you feel chilled, overbundling can raise body temperature.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Take OTC NSAIDs.

If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days, see your doctor. Whether it’s the flu or not, you may need more than home remedies.

Most people don’t need to see a doctor for the common cold or a mild bout of the flu. Call your doctor if your symptoms last more than a week and there’s either no sign of improvement, or if your symptoms start getting worse.

Also, call your doctor if your temperature is 103°F (39.4°C) or higher, or if your fever is accompanied by:

• a severe headache, light sensitivity
• stiff neck or pain when you bend your head forward
• new or worsening skin rash
• persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, or pain when urinating
• breathing problems or chest pain
• confusion, convulsions, or seizures

Research has yet to confirm the centuries-old adage “feed a cold, starve a fever. ” One thing we know for sure is that when you’re sick, staying hydrated is crucial.

We also know that your body needs nutritional support to fight illness. So, if you have a fever and you haven’t lost your appetite, don’t deprive yourself. Try to focus on eating foods that will give your body the nutrients it needs to get better.

When in doubt about what to do for a fever, talk to your healthcare provider.

Feeding a cold, starving a fever: fact or fiction?

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“Cold, fever.”

It is likely that you have received this advice or may have given it. After all, this folk wisdom has existed for several centuries. But is it? Does this advice really matter?

In this article, we will look at the main ways to treat colds, flu and fevers. And we’ll take a look at whether fasting is actually a useful strategy to help you get back on your feet when you’re having a fever.

content

How did this proverb start?

Several websites, including Smithsonian. com and Scientific American, let’s say this can be traced back to 1574. Apparently, at the time, a dictionary compiler named John Whitals wrote that “fasting is an excellent remedy for fever.”

Wherever it comes from, it is firmly rooted in popular culture and is popular advice today.

Is that correct?

Appetite is often lost during illness. Sometimes food doesn’t seem to help, but sometimes it can make you feel a lot weaker. So, do you really have to starve your fever?

Not according to medical experts at Cedars-Sinai who call it fantasy. Cold or flu, your immune system needs energy and nutrients to do its job, so it’s important to eat and drink enough.

Harvard Medical School he agrees, saying there is no need to eat more or less than usual if you have a cold or the flu. Both institutions emphasize the importance of fluids.

Colds and flu are usually caused by a viral infection, but fever can occur for a number of reasons, including:

• bacterial infection
• inflammatory conditions
• side effects of certain drugs and vaccines
• dehydration or heat stroke

So the next question is: Does it matter what causes fever? Are there any types of fever for which you should fast?

A 2002 study suggests that eating nutrient-rich soup may help fight viral infections, and fasting may help the immune system fight bacterial infections. It is worth noting that this was a small study involving only six young healthy men. The authors of the study acknowledged the need for more research.

U 2016 studyResearchers also found that fasting may help fight bacterial but not viral infections. However, this study was conducted in mice, not humans.

There just wasn’t enough research to “starve the fever” in humans to know for sure. This is further complicated by the fact that there are so many causes of fever.

So it’s probably best to eat when your stomach can handle it and snack lightly when it can’t. Either way, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

What is the best treatment for cold, flu and fever symptoms?

Colds and flu are caused by viruses and share common symptoms such as nasal congestion and body aches. Flu symptoms are more severe and include fever.

Cold treatment

A cold should go away, but there are some things you can do to help relieve the symptoms.

• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
• If you smoke, try to quit until your head clears up. Stay away from smoking if you smoke.
• Use a humidifier to humidify the air.
• Keep eating healthy.

You can choose from over-the-counter medicines such as:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and pain relief, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin
• a decongestant or antihistamine for head cleaning
• cough medicine to relieve cough symptoms
• throat lozenges to help soothe sore, scratchy throat

Take these medicines according to package directions. If you have any doubts about mixing over-the-counter drugs or their interactions with other drugs, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

If needed, your doctor may prescribe stronger medicines to help control your cough and nasal congestion. Antibiotics do nothing for colds because they don’t work on viruses.

Treating the flu

Compared to the common cold, the flu usually takes a lot more away from you, especially when you have a fever. You can try the same self-harm measures as for a cold, plus:

• Talk to your doctor if you’re at risk for complications from a weakened immune system or a condition like asthma. heart disease, or diabetes.
• Take antivirals if prescribed.
• Get a good rest. Do not go to work or school until your temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

Since influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. The exception is when influenza complications lead to a secondary bacterial infection.

Even if you don’t have much of an appetite, you need energy to fight the flu. You don’t have to eat as much as you normally would, but it’s important to choose healthy foods.

If you have nausea and vomiting, try some soup and dry crackers until it goes away. Vomiting and diarrhea can get worse if you drink fruit juices, so stick to water until your stomach gets stronger.

Treating fever

If you have a high fever, your immune system is fighting an infection. Subfebrile temperature can go away on its own in a few days.

For fever:

• Drink water, juice or soup.
• Eat when you feel hungry and your stomach can handle it.
• Avoid overwiring. Although you feel cold due to a fever, excessive bloating can raise your body temperature.
• Get a good rest.
• Take an over-the-counter NSAID.

If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days, see your doctor. Whether it’s the flu or not, you may need more than home remedies.

When should I see a doctor?

Most people do not need to see a doctor because of a cold or mild flu. Call your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a week and show no improvement, or if symptoms get worse.

Call your doctor if your temperature is 103°C or higher or if you have a fever:

• severe headache, sensitivity to light
• neck stiffness or pain when bending your head forward
• new or worsening skin rash
• persistent vomiting, abdominal pain, or pain when urinating
• trouble breathing or chest pain
• confusion, convulsions, or convulsions

Essence

Research has not yet confirmed the age-old adage “feed the cold, starve the fever. ” One thing we know for sure: when you’re sick, it’s extremely important to stay hydrated.

We also know that your body needs nutritional support to fight disease. So, if you have a fever and have not lost your appetite, do not deprive yourself. Try to focus on eating foods that will give your body the nutrients it needs to heal.

If you have any doubts about what to do about a fever, talk to your doctor.

Is it worth feeding a cold and starving a fever? – Drink-Drink

“Feed the cold, starve the fever.”

It is likely that you received this advice, or perhaps gave it yourself. After all, this piece of folk wisdom has been around for centuries. But is it? Does this advice really matter?

In this article, we’ll cover the basics of self-care for colds, flu, and fevers. And we’ll see if fasting is actually a useful strategy to help you get back on your feet when you’re having a fever.

How did this saying begin?

Several websites, including Smithsonian. com and Scientific American, say it can be traced back to 1574. Apparently, it was then that a dictionary author named John Whithals wrote: “Fasting is an excellent remedy for fever.”

Wherever it comes from, it is firmly rooted in popular culture and is still popular advice today.

Is this true?

It is not unusual to lose appetite during illness. Sometimes it seems that not eating helps, but sometimes it can make you feel a lot weaker. So, do you really have to starve your fever?

No, according to medical experts at Cedars-Sinai who call it a hoax. Cold or flu, your immune system needs energy and nutrients to do its job, so it’s important to eat and drink enough.

Harvard Medical School agrees, saying there is no need to eat more or less than usual if you have a cold or the flu. Both institutions emphasize the importance of fluids.

Colds and flu are usually caused by a viral infection, but fever can occur for many reasons, including:

• bacterial infection
• inflammatory disease
• side effect of certain drugs and vaccines
• dehydration or heat stroke

So the next question is: does it matter what causes fever? Are there any types of fever that should be fasted?

A 2002 study suggested that eating nutrient-rich broth may help fight viral infections, and fasting may help the immune system fight bacterial infections. It is worth noting that this was a small study that included only six young healthy men. The authors of the study acknowledged the need for more research.

In a 2016 study, researchers also found that fasting helped fight bacterial but not viral infections. However, this study was conducted in mice, not humans.

There just haven’t been enough “feed the cold, starve the fever” studies done on humans to know for sure. This is further complicated by the fact that there are so many causes of fever.

So it’s probably best to eat when your stomach can handle it, and eat less when it can’t. Either way, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

What is the best treatment for cold, flu and fever symptoms?

Colds and flu are caused by viruses and share common symptoms such as nasal congestion and body aches. Flu symptoms are usually more severe and include fever.

Treating a cold

A cold should take its course, but there are some things you can do to help relieve symptoms.

• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can cause dehydration.
• If you smoke, try to quit until your head clears up. Stay away from secondhand smoke if you can.
• Use a humidifier to humidify the air.
• Keep eating healthy.

You can choose from over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, such as:

• non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve) or aspirin
• decongestant or antihistamine to clear your head
• cough medicine to relieve cough symptoms
• throat lozenges to soothe a sore and scratchy throat

Take these medicines according to package directions. If you have any concerns about mixing over-the-counter drugs or their interactions with other medicines, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

If needed, your doctor may prescribe stronger medicines to help control your cough and nasal congestion. Antibiotics do nothing for a cold because they don’t work on viruses.

Treating the flu

Compared to a cold, the flu usually takes a lot more energy out of you, especially when you have a fever. You can try the same self-care measures as for a cold, plus:

• See your doctor if you are at risk for complications from a weakened immune system or conditions such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes.
• Take antivirals if prescribed.
• Enough time to rest. Do not go to work or school until your temperature has been normal for 24 hours.

Since influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. The exception is when influenza complications lead to a secondary bacterial infection.

Even if you don’t have much of an appetite, you need energy to fight the flu. You don’t have to eat as much as you normally would, but it’s important to choose healthy foods.

If you have nausea and vomiting, try some broth and dry crackers until it goes away. Vomiting and diarrhea can get worse if you drink fruit juices, so stick to water until your stomach gets stronger.

Fever treatment

If you have a fever, your immune system is fighting an infection. Subfebrile temperature can go away on its own within a few days.

For fever:

• Drink water, juice or broth.
• Eat when you feel hungry and your stomach can tolerate it.
• Avoid tying too much. Although a fever makes you feel chilly, over-wrapping can raise your body temperature.
• Enough time to rest.
• Take an over-the-counter NSAID.

If you have a fever that lasts more than a few days, see your doctor. Whether it’s the flu or not, you may need more than home remedies.

When should I see a doctor?

Most people do not need to see a doctor if they have a cold or mild flu. Call your doctor if your symptoms last more than a week and either show no improvement, or if your symptoms start to get worse.