Enterovirus Relief: 3 Dietary Tips for Fever and Sore Throat

Enterovirus infections are common and usually mild, but they can sometimes cause serious complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis. The symptoms of enterovirus infection vary depending on the type of virus and the person's immune system, but they often include fever, sore throat, rash, and blisters in the mouth or on the hands and feet.

If you or your child has an enterovirus infection, you may wonder what to eat to help relieve the symptoms and speed up the recovery. 

Table of Contents

Is Enterovirus Contagious?

Enteroviruses are highly contagious and can spread through direct or indirect contact with an infected person's saliva, mucus, stool, or fluid from blisters. They can also survive on surfaces for several days. The most common way to catch an enterovirus is to touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a contaminated surface or a person who is sick. You can also catch an enterovirus by kissing, hugging, sharing utensils, or shaking hands with someone who is infected.

Enteroviruses are most contagious within the first week of onset, but they can still be transmitted for several weeks after the symptoms disappear. Even people who have no symptoms can be carriers of enteroviruses and spread them to others. Mothers can also pass enteroviruses to their children during childbirth or breastfeeding.

Common Symptoms of Enterovirus

The symptoms of enterovirus infection depend on the type of virus and the part of the body that is affected. Some of the most common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Sore throat, throat ulcers
  • Skin rash
  • Vesicular pharyngitis (inflammation of the throat with blisters)
  • Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)

Warning Signs of Severe Enterovirus

In some cases, enteroviruses can infect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and cause life-threatening complications such as meningitis (inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), or polio (paralysis of the muscles). Some of the warning signs of severe enterovirus infection include:

  • Excessive sleepiness
  • Weakness in limbs
  • Persistent vomiting
  • Increased heart rate, rapid breathing
  • Myoclonic jerks (involuntary muscle spasms)

If you notice any of these signs in yourself or your child, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Dietary Care for Alleviating Enterovirus Symptoms

There is no specific treatment for enterovirus infection. Most cases resolve on their own with rest and supportive care. However, some dietary measures can help ease the symptoms and promote recovery. Here are some dietary guidelines from a nutritionist:

Dietary Guidelines

  • Prioritize hydration to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can worsen the symptoms of fever, sore throat, and rash. Drink plenty of water and fluids such as herbal teas, soups, broths, or electrolyte solutions. Avoid caffeinated drinks such as coffee, tea, or soda as they can dehydrate you further.
  • Consume cool foods to relieve oral pain. If you have a sore throat or mouth ulcers, eating hot or spicy foods can irritate the mucous membranes and cause more discomfort. Choose cool foods such as yogurt, ice cream, smoothies, or popsicles. You can also gargle with salt water or use a numbing spray to soothe the pain.
  • Opt for high-calorie, easily swallowed foods to aid recovery. Enterovirus infection can cause loss of appetite, weight loss, and fatigue. To maintain your energy and nutrition, eat high-calorie foods that are easy to swallow and digest, such as oatmeal, mashed potatoes, eggs, cheese, peanut butter, or avocado. You can also add honey, maple syrup, or butter to your foods to increase the calories.

Foods to Avoid

  • Fried, deep-fried foods. These foods are high in fat and can cause indigestion, nausea, or vomiting. They can also increase inflammation and worsen the symptoms of enterovirus infection.
  • High-sugar foods. These foods can suppress your immune system and make it harder for your body to fight off the infection. They can also cause dental problems such as tooth decay or gum disease, especially if you have mouth ulcers.
  • Irritating foods. These foods can aggravate the mucous membranes and cause more pain and inflammation. Some examples of irritating foods are citrus fruits, tomatoes, vinegar, alcohol, and tobacco.

How to Prevent Enterovirus?

The best way to prevent enterovirus infection is to avoid exposure to the virus and boost your immune system. Here are some preventive measures you can take:

  • Practice frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the toilet, changing diapers, or touching public surfaces. You can also use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
  • Maintain a clean environment. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, countertops, keyboards, or toys with a bleach solution or a household cleaner. Wash your dishes and utensils with hot water and soap. Launder your clothes and bedding with hot water and detergent.
  • Boost your immune function. Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Get enough sleep and exercise regularly. Manage your stress levels and avoid smoking.
  • Minimize exposure risks. Avoid close contact with people who are sick or have symptoms of enterovirus infection. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when you cough or sneeze. Do not share personal items such as cups, utensils, or towels with others.

Conclusion

Enterovirus infections are common and usually mild, but they can sometimes cause serious complications such as meningitis, encephalitis, or paralysis. The symptoms of enterovirus infection vary depending on the type of virus and the person's immune system, but they often include fever, sore throat, rash, and blisters in the mouth or on the hands and feet.

If you or your child has an enterovirus infection, you may wonder what to eat to help relieve the symptoms and speed up the recovery. In this article, we shared some dietary care tips from a nutritionist, based on the latest scientific evidence and expert recommendations. We also explained how to prevent enterovirus infection and when to seek medical attention.

We hope this article was helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

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