To replace these burned calories, you should work to consume a healthy diet and fluids.

This ensures your immune system has the energy it needs to do its job when you are sick.

This may result in a decreased intake of nutrients while you require more energy to fight off your illness.

person laying in bed

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Immune System Demands

Your body naturally uses more calories toproduce immune cellsand combat the invading pathogen.

Greater energy is exerted with more intense illnesses, such as those involving a fever.

This is why it is important to keep eating to preventweight loss during infections.

Number of Calories Burned

The exact number of calories burned depends on the severity of your illness.

Yes, you typically burn more calories with a fever.

A fever is your immune system’s attempt to combat a virus.

The increase in body temperature accelerates your metabolism and burns more calories while the fever persists.

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Try these comforting foods.

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