# Starve a fever, feed a cold: Winter bug eating guide

> How to eat when sick: Why you shouldn't starve a fever but need to feed a cold.
- Title: Starve a fever, feed a cold: Winter bug eating guide
- Summary: How to eat when sick: Why you shouldn't starve a fever but need to feed a cold. Fevers increase metabolism, so eating small meals helps recovery; colds don't…
- Keywords: fever, cold, immunity, nutrition, flu, body temperature, appetite, metabolism, immune response, calories, news, entertainment
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/health/article-16221017/starve-fever-feed-cold-eat-winter-bug.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-10-19T16:05:40+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: fever, cold, immunity, nutrition, flu, body temperature, appetite, metabolism, immune response, calories, news, entertainment
## Winter bug season
Flu cases in England reported higher than usual last month, earlier than previous four years.
## The 'starve a fever, feed a cold' myth
This phrase is a well-known adage for a reason, but its application to winter bugs is misunderstood.
## Professor Tregoning's explanation
Fevers and colds are immune responses to infections; high temperature helps clear viruses by slowing their growth.
## Symptoms vary by individual
Symptoms depend on genetics and pre-existing conditions like asthma, affecting how severe infections become.
## Appetite reduction during illness
Research shows immune responses trigger appetite loss through proteins that signal reduced food needs.
## Ketone bodies and immunity
Reduced food intake may produce ketone bodies that fuel immune cells, but this is not universally helpful.
## Dr. Molanguri's advice
Fever increases metabolism; eating small, frequent meals helps maintain nutrition and speeds recovery.
## Calorie needs during illness
Energy expenditure increases by 10-13% per degree rise in body temperature, but mild colds don't require extra calories.
## What to eat when sick
Protein supports antibody production; fluids help with mucus production and oxygen exchange in lungs.
## Chicken soup and ginger
Lab studies show chicken soup and ginger may reduce viral infections, but human applications are unproven.
## Ketogenic diet and immunity
Ketogenic diets or ketone bodies may boost immune cell function in lab settings, but human benefits are unclear.
## Key takeaway
For mild colds, no extra calories are needed; for fevers, small frequent meals support recovery.
## Key takeaway

Fevers increase metabolism, so eating small meals helps recovery; colds don't require extra calories.