Can I Eat Prawns When I Have a Fever? A Complete Guide

Getting sick with a fever means your body is working hard to fight off an infection And when you’re feeling under the weather, eating can seem like an afterthought But the right foods can actually help boost your immune system and aid recovery. So where do prawns fall when you have a fever – friend or foe? Let’s find out.

How Fever Affects Your Body

When you have a viral or bacterial infection, your body’s immune system kicks into high gear. It raises your internal thermostat, resulting in a fever to help kill off the invading bugs.

While this helps fight the illness, it takes a toll on your body A fever can zap your energy, appetite and leave you feeling achy all over Dehydration is common too.

Plus, digesting food requires more energy when you’re feverish. So your body may have trouble properly breaking down foods, leading to diarrhea or vomiting.

The key is sticking to nutritious and easy-to-digest foods that provide immune-boosting benefits So are prawns a good option?

Can You Eat Prawns When Sick With Fever?

Prawns can be a healthy part of your diet when you have a fever, as long as they are prepared properly and you tolerate shellfish well. Here’s a closer look at the potential benefits and downsides:

Potential Benefits:

• Excellent source of protein to maintain muscle and strength
• Provides zinc, selenium and vitamin B12 for immune health
• Low in fat and calories compared to other protein sources
• Contains omega-3s to reduce inflammation

Potential Downsides:

• May cause food sensitivity reactions and worsen congestion
• Risk of contamination with bacteria, viruses and toxins
• Requires more energy to digest than lighter proteins

So while prawns can certainly be consumed in moderation, it’s important to consider your individual symptoms and needs.

Best Seafood Choices for Fever Recovery

While prawns have some benefits, there are other types of seafood better suited for boosting immunity and aiding recovery when you have a fever. Here are some top options:

Oily Fish: Salmon, tuna, mackerel and sardines contain anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids to strengthen immune response. They are also rich in vitamin D.

Shellfish: Clams, mussels and oysters provide zinc, selenium, B vitamins and vitamin C. Avoid if congested.

White Fish: Flounder, tilapia and cod are mild-flavored, lean and easy to digest. Broil or bake for maximum nutrition.

Fish Soup: Homemade fish soup with vegetables is warm, comforting and hydrating. Use mild white fish and low-sodium broth.

Canned Fish: Canned tuna and salmon are shelf-stable and convenient sources of protein and nutrients when sick.

Aim for at least 8 ounces of healthy seafood 2-3 times per week when recovering from fever or flu. Cook thoroughly and avoid raw seafood.

Foods to Avoid with Fever

While seafood can help provide protein and nutrients, there are certain foods that should be avoided when running a fever:

• Raw seafood – Higher risk of contamination when immune system is compromised

• Heavy, greasy foods – Difficult to digest; can exacerbate nausea and diarrhea

• Spicy foods – May irritate throat and upset stomach

• Alcohol & caffeine – Dehydrate the body and disrupt sleep

• Sugary foods – Cause energy crashes and feed inflammation

• Dairy products – Increase mucus production and worsen congestion

• Processed foods – Low in nutrients; high in salt, sugar and preservatives

Focus on hydration, rested sleep and lighter, whole foods to help overcome fever symptoms. Avoid anything that seems to worsen nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

Tips for Safely Eating Prawns with Fever

If you choose to eat prawns when running a fever, follow these tips to minimize risks:

• Buy fresh, wild-caught prawns – avoid farmed prawns; higher contamination risk

• Cook prawns thoroughly to at least 145°F internal temperature to kill pathogens

• Check for food intolerances – If prone to shellfish allergy, avoid prawns when unwell

• Consume in moderation – 1-2 servings max per week; choose lean proteins

• Stay hydrated – Drink broth, herbal tea, water and fresh juices

• Support digestion – Eat cooked rice, applesauce and bananas; avoid spices

• Practice food safety – Wash hands & surfaces; avoid cross-contamination

Listen to your body and stop eating prawns if they seem to worsen nausea, stomach pain or nasal congestion. Focus on symptom relief and fluids.

Sample Fever Recovery Diet with Prawns

Here is a sample 1-day meal plan that incorporates prawns as part of a balanced fever recovery diet:

Breakfast: Oatmeal with bananas, ginger tea

Snack: Green apple slices, peanut butter

Lunch: Prawn soup with rice noodles, broth, carrots, onions

Snack: Frozen grape popsicle

Dinner: Grilled salmon, roasted potatoes, steamed spinach

Beverages: Water, coconut water, ginger ale, orange juice

Aim for lighter proteins like prawns, white fish and poultry. Get plenty of immune-boosting fruits and vegetables. Stay hydrated with water, broths and caffeine-free fluids.

Lifestyle Tips for Recovering from Fever

Diet plays an important role, but other lifestyle factors are key for bouncing back from fever and illness:

• Get adequate rest – aim for 8-10 hours of sleep to allow body to heal

• Stay hydrated – drink water, broths, teas and juices throughout the day

• Take fever reducers as needed – control symptoms as recommended by your doctor

• Dress in light layers – keep comfortable as fever comes and goes

• Avoid strenuous activity – give your body time to rest and recover

• Manage stress – use relaxing techniques like deep breathing, meditation

Listen to your body and allow extra time for recuperation. Avoid going back to work or school until the fever has resolved for at least 24 hours.

When to Seek Medical Care

Most fevers caused by viral infections resolve within 3-5 days. But contact your doctor right away if:

• Fever over 103°F for more than 24 hours

• Symptoms lasting longer than 1 week

• Difficulty breathing or chest pain

• Severe headache, neck pain or stiffness

• Confusion, disorientation or unresponsiveness

• Persistent vomiting, diarrhea or dehydration

• Rash, chest pain, swollen lymph nodes

• Weakness or numbness on one side

• Fever in a newborn, infant or elderly person

Seek emergency care for dangerously high fever, seizures, fainting, coughing up blood and other concerning symptoms.

Prawns as Part of a Balanced Fever Diet

At the end of the day, prawns can be a great source of protein and nutrients as part of balanced diet when recovering from fever or flu. Focus on mild, well-cooked prawns and avoid overdoing it. Pay attention to your individual symptoms and food tolerances.

Along with proper rest and hydration, eating nutritious foods like prawns in moderation can help provide immune-boosting support so you bounce back quickly and regain your strength. With the right self-care, you’ll be well on your way to feeling like yourself again.