How to Help a Sick Person Feel Better

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The quality of care a sick person receives during recovery from an illness is one of the most important steps to getting better. If you have a friend or family member who is suffering from a bad cold, illness, or infection, provide care for them by saying kind and comforting words and by using caring actions to ensure that they undergo a speedy recovery. We also interviewed pediatric pulmonologist and medical counselor Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP, for expert tips on taking care of someone sick.

Part 1
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Using Actions

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  1. The sick person may have a low or high temperature and can feel chilly in a room that is too cold, or uncomfortable in a room that is too hot. Loud noises and a stuffy room can also make them feel worse. Ensure the person is resting on a bed, a couch, or a comfy chair in a room with an open window to allow fresh air inside. If possible, give them a separate bathroom to prevent the spread of germs. [1]
    • Improving ventilation can help reduce virus particles in your home and keep respiratory viruses, like COVID-19, from spreading. [2]
    • You can also help the person feel better by offering them warm blankets and lots of pillows, especially if they have a cold or the flu.
    • A sick person may take 10 or more days to recover. [3] Encourage them to rest when they are tired so they can heal quickly.
  2. Many sick people suffer from dehydration due to symptoms such as diarrhea or fever. Make sure they stay hydrated by giving them plenty of water or warm herbal tea. Encourage them to take small sips of the liquid every couple of minutes, especially if they have nausea or vomiting. [4] Though providing beverages is a simple gesture, it can be reassuring to the person, since they may not be able to get water or tea for themselves.
    • On average, men should aim to drink 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids daily, while women should aim for 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluid daily. [5] Most people urinate 6-7 times per day. [6] Gauge the sick person's hydration level and note if they do not go to the bathroom often during the day. This may be a sign they are dehydrated.
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  3. Most people will have a go-to comfort food they crave when they are ill, such as chicken noodle soup. Chicken noodle soup can help ease cold symptoms because it contains a protein in the form of chicken, a hearty chicken broth full of vitamins, minerals, and some fat, noodles to keep you full, as well as vegetables like carrots, celery, and onions, which contain vitamins and antioxidants. In general, soups make good comfort foods for a sick person as they are warm, filling, and easy to digest. [7]
    • Avoid giving the sick person high-fat, spicy, or acidic foods, as this can cause GI discomfort. [8] Nourishing foods like soup, porridge, oatmeal, and fruit smoothies are all good meal options for a person who is feeling ill and weak.
  4. Depending on how severe the person’s sickness is, they may have a difficult time bathing themselves or maintaining a level of cleanliness. It is very important that the sick person is kept clean to avoid more serious illnesses or infections. [9] If the person is very ill, they may have a home nurse who is attending to their bathing needs.
    • You can help make the sick person feel better by assisting with the changing of the bedding every day and helping to person to change positions in bed.
    • If the person is very physically weak, they may have a hard time turning over on their own in bed. You can assist their home nurse or ask someone in the house to help you lift and turn the person at least once a day to prevent the development of bedsores. [10]
  5. Another simple way to cheer up a sick person is to distract them from their illness and do something fun together . Spending quality time with the person doing something easy and fun can make them feel less weak and give them something else to focus on besides their illness. [11]
    • You can also bring their favorite novel for them to read to distract them from their illness and provide some entertainment for them.
    • You can also do a fun craft or a small project together that involves multiple visits to see the person. This will give the sick person something to look forward to and allow you to spend quality time more often with the person.
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Part 2
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Using Words

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  1. When you first visit the sick person, it's important that you tell them you care for them and are rooting for them to get better. You should also offer to help them clearly and directly. Rather than asking, “What can I do?” or “Tell me what I can do to help,” offer to help them with specific tasks. For example, you could say, “I'm going to the grocery store later. Can I pick up some chicken noodle soup for you?” or “I'll be close to the pharmacy later. Can I get your prescription for you?” This will make it easier for the person to accept your help with little effort. [12]
    • For instance, you might say something like, “Is there anything I can do to help? I’m happy to drop by after work, even if it's just to visit for a while.”
    • Dr. Anbar recommends “helping with daily life activities such as making a meal, vacuuming, shopping, or providing transportation.” However, “don’t repeatedly offer help that they reject, as this will cause them to feel unheard or disrespected.” [13]
    • When trying to cheer the person up with words, avoid using phrases like “Look on the bright side” or “It could have been much worse.” These phrases, though full of good intention, can make the person feel guilty for being sick or feel they do not have a right to be sick when there are other people less fortunate than them.
  2. Most sick people tend to feel better when they have someone willing to listen to them talk with empathy and understanding. Rather than telling the sick person that they look fine or that they don’t seem all that sick, try to listen to them and talk about their feelings about their illness. [14]
    • According to Dr. Anbar, you should “ask [the sick person] if they would like to talk about their illness” before you bring it up. If so, “listen, rather than offering to help solve their problem, and ensure that you talk to them in a positive and realistic fashion.” [15]
    • Dr. Anbar also advises not to “say that you understand how they feel, since each person's feelings are different.” [16]
    • Avoid forcing an opinion on the person and focus on being there as a sympathetic ear. Many sick people find it helpful to know someone is sitting with them at least once a day and listening to them talk. Often, being sick can be a boring and lonely experience. Having someone willing to listen can help a sick person feel acknowledged and cared for. [17]
    • Reader Poll: We asked 163 wikiHow readers how they like to cheer someone up, and 55% of them said listening and affirming their feelings without any judgment or criticism. [Take Poll]
  3. If the sick person is too weak to talk or sit up, you can comfort them by reading aloud from their favorite novel or story. This will help them remember that they are not alone in the room and that they have someone who cares about them. If you’re reading to a child, you can help them engage in the story by asking them to predict what will happen next. [18]
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What do you do when have a cough?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    There are many remedies for the cold some allopathic and some homeopathic. The allopathic remedies include cough suppressants, nasal decongestants, and intranasal applications. Homeopathic remedies include vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, Zinc, and echinacea to boost the immune system.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 54
  • Question
    My friend is sick with the flu and he is vomiting. What can I do to help him?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    Make sure you give them lots of fluids. If they are vomiting bile or blood, then you need to seek a doctor's attention immediately.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 9 Helpful 62
  • Question
    My mum is suffering from a flu and I tried everything to make her feel better. Every 5 minutes, she gets up and pukes, and now my little sister has it. What can I do?
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Dr. Chris M. Matsko is a retired physician based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With over 25 years of medical research experience, Dr. Matsko was awarded the Pittsburgh Cornell University Leadership Award for Excellence. He holds a BS in Nutritional Science from Cornell University and an MD from the Temple University School of Medicine in 2007. Dr. Matsko earned a Research Writing Certification from the American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) in 2016 and a Medical Writing & Editing Certification from the University of Chicago in 2017.
    Chris M. Matsko, MD
    Family Medicine Physician
    Expert Answer
    If she is consistently vomiting, then she may need to go to the ER for fluid resuscitation.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 16 Helpful 60
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      Tips

      • Symptoms of a serious illness include: difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, persistent pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen, persistent dizziness, confusion, or inability to arouse, seizures, not urinating, severe muscle pain, severe weakness or unsteadiness, fever or cough that improve but then return or worsen, and worsening of chronic medical conditions. If the sick person exhibits any clear signs of a serious illness, make sure that they get medical attention right away. [19]
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      • Visit the person while they are sick. However, you can visit them even if they are not sick to show them they are loved—depression or loneliness can cause a person to become sick! [20]
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      • Remember to wash your hands often, especially after touching a sick person or their tissues or laundry. [21]
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      Tips from our Readers

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
      • Spend time with the sick person doing low-key activities like watching movies or playing video games. Your company can help combat boredom and loneliness.
      • Give them a card signed by several friends. Receiving cheerful, sympathetic notes can lift their spirits. Avoid mentioning their illness specifically.
      • Make the sick person laugh by telling funny stories or jokes. Laughter can improve their mood and outlook. Just don't overdo it if they need quiet.
      • Offer to help with small chores and errands like grocery shopping. This relieves daily burdens while they recover. But don't push help if declined.
      • Ask the sick person what would help them feel better. Getting fresh air, having their back scratched, or being left alone — meet their needs.
      • Reassure the sick person that things will get better. Optimism and emotional support are powerful, especially from close family.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://trippfamilymedicine.com/5-tips-for-taking-care-of-a-sick-family-member-at-home/
      2. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/improving-ventilation-home.html
      3. ↑ https://www.colorado.edu/health/2020/01/21/feeling-sick-when-take-break-gym
      4. ↑ https://www.ynhhs.org/articles/how-to-stay-hydrated-when-sick
      5. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
      6. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/15533-frequent-urination
      7. ↑ https://health.umms.org/2024/01/10/what-to-eat-when-you-are-sick/
      8. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/gerd-diet-foods-that-help-with-acid-reflux-heartburn
      9. ↑ https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abp9705
      1. ↑ https://www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/abp9705
      2. ↑ https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/blog/sick-day-games-activities-for-kids
      3. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/what-to-say-when-someone-is-sick-tips
      4. ↑ Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP. Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor. Expert Interview
      5. ↑ https://psychcentral.com/health/what-to-say-when-someone-is-sick-tips
      6. ↑ Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP. Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor. Expert Interview
      7. ↑ Ran D. Anbar, MD, FAAP. Pediatric Pulmonologist & Medical Counselor. Expert Interview
      8. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-nonlinear-life/202402/what-to-say-to-someone-who-is-sick-and-what-not-to-say
      9. ↑ https://brighterfuturesindiana.org/blog/sick-day-games-activities-for-kids
      10. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare/caring-for-someone.html
      11. ↑ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC486942/
      12. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare/caring-for-someone.html
      13. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/treatment/index.html
      14. ↑ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=18005909
      15. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/treatment/index.html
      16. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/common-cold/in-depth/cold-remedies/art-20046403

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To help a sick person feel better, start by giving them lots of liquids, like water and herbal tea, since most people who are ill suffer from dehydration. Additionally, make them comfort foods, such as chicken noodle soup, that are warm, filling, and nutritious. You can also take their mind off being sick by playing a game or watching a movie with them. If you’re not sure what to do, offer to help in a specific way instead of saying “What can I do?” For example, say something like “I’m going to the grocery store. Let me pick up some fruit and yogurt for you.” For more tips from our Medical co-author, like how to keep someone who’s sick clean and comfortable, read on!

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