Seventy percent of your body is water, and a loss of only 2 percent will cause you to become dehydrated. If you're running a fever, your temperature depletes vital moisture from your cells. That is why it is so important to drink plenty of water when you are sick.
Fever
Fever, known medically as pyrexia, is an elevation in your body temperature. Normally, your body temperature -- measured orally -- should be about 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37 degrees Celsius. Your temperature will tend to vary slightly throughout the day, but if it rises above 99 to 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.2 to 37.5 Celsius, you're running a fever.
Causes
Most fevers result from viral or bacterial infections. However, there are other causes of an elevated temperature such as sunburn, some cancers, arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. Additionally, your fever could be due to a medication you are taking or a recent vaccination.
Dehydration
Dehydration -- the lack of sufficient water in the body -- is a serious complication of fever. Dehydration can cause decreased brain function; a loss of muscle control; reduced kidney function, with an accumulation of toxins in the body; an inability of your body to metabolize fats; constipation; dry, itchy skin; chills or feeling overheated; excessive hunger and thirst; rapid pulse; fatigue; irritability; and sleeplessness or oversleeping.
Benefits of Water Drinking
Drinking water when you have a fever will prevent dehydration. Water drinking replenishes lost fluids and flushes your system to keep your kidneys functioning. Staying hydrated promotes healthy bowel functioning; prevents dry skin; dilutes and washes the virus or bacteria out of the body; and eases the symptoms associated with fever such as sore throat, dry mouth and excessive thirst.
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