You’ve probably heard the old saying: “Starve a fever and feed a cold.” The phrase dates back to the 1500s, but is there any truth to it?

According to Adenike Sulaiman, MBBS, MPH, a family medicine resident with Clarkson Family Medicine at the Old Market Health Center, there is no medical evidence backing this claim.  

“On the contrary, you want to ensure you stay well hydrated and eat as much as you can when you are sick, whether it’s a cold or fever,” says Dr. Sulaiman. “This is a time when your body needs adequate hydration, nutrition and energy to fight off infection.” 

Treating a cold

Colds are typically caused by a viral infection, and most people have mild symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat or a general feeling of being unwell. As such, they do not require medical intervention.  

However, people with more moderate symptoms – wheezing, shortness of breath, nasal congestion and muscle aches – may benefit from medications like Tylenol, ibuprofen, inhaled or intranasal medications to improve breathing, or saline nasal spray. Most of these can be purchased over the counter at your local pharmacy. These therapies help improve symptoms but do not necessarily shorten the illness course.  

“The best things you can do are to hydrate with warm fluids like water, tea or chicken broth and eat a healthy diet that includes protein, fruits and vegetables,” says Dr. Sulaiman.  

Not only does chicken broth provide a source of protein and hydration, the vegetables contained within it also serve as a source of nourishment for the body. Warm tea infused with honey may also provide additional benefits and support your immune system.  

While there is a wide variety of herbal and homeopathic products available, there is inconclusive evidence that they are effective in battling colds, notes Dr. Sulaiman.  

Seek medical advice for a cold if:  

Adults

• Symptoms last more than 10 days without improvement.
• Fever of 101.3°F (38.5°C) lasting three or more days or a new fever after a fever-free period.
• Intense headache or sinus pain.
• Persistent shortness of breath or wheezing.

Children

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Fever that continues or worsens after 48 hours.
• Trouble with breathing or wheezing.
• Ear pain or tugging at the ears.
• Fussiness, refusing feeds or poor oral intake.

Treating a fever

Similar advice applies to fevers. A fever is a part of the body’s immune system response, usually triggered by an infection. Our immune system relies on adequate nutrition, including protein, to function effectively. Staying hydrated is also important when managing a fever. 

A fever is defined as a body temperature of 101.3°F (38.5°C) in adults or 100.4°F (38°C) in children. 

Fever symptoms may include:

• Chills or rigors.
• Sweating.
• Headache.
• Muscle aches or generalized weakness.
• Irritability.
• Dehydration.

Seek medical advice for your fever if:  

Adults

• Fever of 103°F (39.4°C) or higher.
• Severe or persistent headache.
• Persistent vomiting.
• Stiff neck with pain.
• New rash.
• Mental confusion or changes in behavior.
• Chest pain or shortness of breath.

Children

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
• Fever lasting more than three days.
• Seizures associated with the fever.
• Irritability, poor oral intake or repeated vomiting. 

The bottom line

Dr. Sulaiman says the old saying could be better rephrased as: “Feed a fever and feed a cold.” Both illnesses require proper hydration and adequate nutrition to help the body recover and fight infection.