Weakness After Viral Fever in Children: Dos and Don’ts, According to Top Expert

It is normal for kids to feel weak following a viral fever. The immune system of children works very hard to fight off infections, making them feel tired, low in energy, or dull for a few days. Recovery,

however, happens slowly and gradually. According to doctors, feeling weak after a virus is natural, but taking care of the child might help them recover quickly. At present, a lot of kids across India are recovering from viral infections and are reporting symptoms like high fever, cough, cold, sore throat, body ache, and fatigue. During this phase, parents must understand what helps recovery and what can delay it. We spoke with Dr Prashant Laxmanrao Ramtekkar, Consultant Pediatrician and Neonatologist, Motherhood Hospitals, who has a few tips, dos, and don’ts parents need to follow.

What should you do for your child’s instant recovery?

Enough rest and sleep

“Rest allows the body to repair itself. Children recovering from viral fever need age-appropriate sleep every night,” said Dr Ramtekkar. Preschoolers (3–5 years) need at least 10 to 13 hours of sleep, while school-aged children who are between 6 and 12 years old can do well with 9 to 12 hours of sleep. Teenagers would need around 8 to 10 hours of sleep, which also includes short naps that can make the kids feel energized. “Don’t send the child to school or classes till the time they feel better,” he added.

Keep the child hydrated

Fever often leads to fluid loss through sweating or reduced intake. Children should drink fluids regularly throughout the day, such as water, soups, coconut water, buttermilk, or lemon juice. For children between 4 and 8 years, around five cups of water is adequate. For children who are 9 to 13 years of age, 7 to 8 cups of water daily is fine, while teenagers need 8 to 11 cups of water daily. “If the child fails to drink enough water, then they can get dehydrated. So, one of the crucial factors is hydration,” said Dr Ramtekkar.

Balanced and nutritious diet

Parents should give light, home-cooked meals in small, frequent portions. Make sure to opt for fruits and vegetables for getting vitamins and antioxidants, lentils, eggs, yogurt for protein, probiotics, and immune support, whole grains and soups for gentle energy restoration, and avoid skipping meals, as nutrition is central to immune recovery.

Keep an eye on the warning signs

Fatigue lasting beyond 10 to 14 days, or symptoms like dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath, require prompt pediatric evaluation. These may indicate post-viral complications like myocarditis or anemia.

Things you must not do

• Avoid physical exertion or returning to sports or school before full recovery. Overexertion tends to cause post-viral fatigue and delay recovery. So, don’t stress and rest enough.
• The child should stay away from junk and processed food, which includes fried, sugary, or highly processed foods, as they can slow digestion and interfere with the recovery process.
• Avoid giving caffeine and energy drinks to the child.