When you have the flu, your body temperature rises to create an inhospitable environment for the virus. This fever causes you to sweat more, and with that sweat goes precious water and electrolytes. It’s like your internal thermostat is running a marathon, and it’s sweating buckets.
Then there’s the coughing, sneezing, and that runny nose. Every time you blow your nose or cough, you’re losing more moisture from your respiratory tract. Combine that with potential vomiting or diarrhea in some cases, and you have a recipe for a serious fluid deficit.
Your body also redirects blood flow to your core to fight the infection. This can make your skin feel clammy, but it also reduces circulation to your extremities. That lack of perfusion can make you feel dizzy, which is a classic sign of dehydration.
The Telltale Signs Your Body is Crying for Water
You don’t need a medical degree to spot dehydration. Your urine is your first clue: if it’s the color of amber ale or darker, you need to drink up. Clear or pale yellow is the goal.
Other red flags include a dry mouth, cracked lips, and a headache that feels like a tiny drummer is practicing inside your skull. You might also notice your skin stays tented for a second when you pinch it—a low-tech but surprisingly accurate test.
Feeling extra tired or confused? That’s your brain sending an SOS. Even mild dehydration can affect your cognition, which is why you might feel foggy and unable to remember the plot of that show you just watched.
Does My Child Have a Cold or the Flu?
