It's common to lose your appetite when running a fever. However, it is very important that you eat well when sick. Skipping meals and trying to sleep off that fever only leaves you weak and prone to more frequent bouts of ill health. This is especially true in the case of young children.

One of the most important factors to consider when feeding a child with a fever is the timing of the meal. If the child is given milk or solid food when their temperature is still rising, the child may refuse to eat or vomit. This will only cause the temperature to escalate.

Food (especially milk) should be given 30-45 minutes after a dose of medicine has been administered and the temperature begins to dip. Avoid fatty foods as they can be difficult to digest in the child’s already weakened physical state.

If the fever is very high, any milk given should be diluted with water with two parts milk and one part water. Rice porridge with yogurt and mashed vegetables, fruits and fruit juices may be given. Small frequent snacks or meals are advisable. Light biscuits and toast can be given frequently along with milk or alone to provide more energy. Taking vitamin B and C supplements is also advisable.

During a bout of fever, it is best to adapt a high-calorie, low fat diet. This may be difficult as your appetite decreases and food seems tasteless. So eat small but frequent meals high in carbohydrates. Jam or honey on toast is one of the best options. Glucose may be used to sweeten milk and juices instead of sugar. Increase water intake as well. Tender coconut water, fruit juices and soups also help in supplementing your liquid intake. Then your body will still have the energy and nutrients to fight off your sickness!
 

image credit: http://cms.ich.ucl.ac.uk