Diet and Food Guidance for Influenza

Food does not cure flu, but good fluids and light nutrition help the body recover.

Fluids come first

• Drink water, ORS, soups, dal water, coconut water, buttermilk and warm herbal drinks.
• Fever, sweating and fast breathing increase fluid loss.
• Small, frequent sips help if you feel nauseous.

Light foods

• Khichdi, rice with dal, porridge, dalia, toast and soups
• Boiled or lightly cooked vegetables
• Bananas, apples, papaya and other soft fruits
• Curd or buttermilk if tolerated
• Eggs, fish or chicken soup if you eat them

What to limit

• Very oily, fried or spicy food
• Cold drinks and ice cream if they irritate your throat
• Alcohol, which causes dehydration and interacts with medicines

If appetite is low

Eat small amounts often. Do not force large meals.

Children

• Continue breastfeeding or formula, and offer extra fluids.
• Do not give honey to a baby under 12 months.
• Do not give herbal remedies to infants unless a paediatrician advises it.

Ayurvedic dietary view

Light, warm, freshly cooked food, such as thin gruel (peya) and soups, is traditionally advised during fever. This is a traditional approach with limited trial evidence.

Supplements

Evidence that vitamin C, zinc or herbal supplements prevent or shorten flu is limited. High doses can cause side effects. Ask your doctor first.

Key point

Prioritise fluids and light meals, and get medical help if you cannot keep fluids down.

Before your appointment

Note when symptoms began, your highest temperature, and any cough, breathing trouble or vomiting. List your medicines, long-term conditions, pregnancy, allergies and recent vaccines, including this year's flu vaccine. Mention contact with anyone who is ill. Ask about testing, antivirals, when to return to work or school and the warning signs that mean you should call 112 or 102.