Why is alternating plain water with electrolyte fluids important during fever sweating?

Fever causes the loss of vital electrolytes along with water, requiring replacement for optimal function

When the body fights infection, especially when a fever is present, sweating becomes a primary mechanism for cooling down. This process results in a significant loss of not just pure water volume, but also essential minerals known as electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. If hydration relies solely on plain water, the circulatory system becomes diluted without sufficient replacement of these critical salts. Electrolytes are necessary for maintaining proper fluid balance, nerve signal transmission, and muscle function, including the heart. Therefore, a strategy that balances pure hydration with targeted electrolyte replacement ensures that the body's systems remain optimized for delivering immune cells and restoring energy, accelerating the overall recovery process beyond what water alone can achieve.