In Western/ European places, Ice chips or cold water is preferred during fever. But in India, it is quite the opposite. Why is it so?
Consuming Ice chips during fever is believed to aid internal cooling and soothe throat. Moreover, it helps in hydration with causing much nausea.
Drinking hot/ warm water helps with digestion, reduce body heat by sweating more and provides hydration.
In India, cold water is associated with throat irritation, cough and discomfort because of the misconception that cold foods or beverages cause or alleviate fever.
There’s no strong evidence that water temperature affects fever outcomes. Both cold and warm water hydrate equally; the choice mainly depends on comfort, as cold may feel soothing while warm may feel easier for some to tolerate.
Scientifically, neither ice chips nor hot water directly helps fever. The main goal is hydration, so the best choice is whichever helps the patient comfortably consume more fluids.
In Fever, the body controls temperature internally, so drink temperature doesn’t treat the fever itself.
Cold or warm fluids both mainly help with comfort and hydration.The preference (cold in the West, warm in India) is mostly cultural, not scientific.
Drink whatever feels comfortable—hydration matters most.
