Why you should better not go to the sauna when you have a cold
Colds are common upper respiratory tract infections caused by viruses that can lead to symptoms such as cough, runny nose, sore throat and fever. Sauna visits are often considered a way to relax and improve health, as the heat promotes circulation and relieves stress. However, if you have a cold, it is better to avoid the sauna, as the heat can put additional stress on the body and may even contribute to worsening symptoms.
Why the heat stresses the body
When you have a cold, rest and relaxation are essential for the body’s recovery. A visit to the sauna could be counterproductive in this case, as the heat puts additional strain on the body and dries out the mucous membranes. There is even a risk that symptoms such as cough and cold will worsen as mucous membranes thicken due to dryness, making breathing difficult.
Therefore, if you have a cold, it is better to avoid the sauna and instead rest and take proper care of yourself. Drink plenty of fluids to hydrate your body and keep mucous membranes moist. Taking medications that relieve symptoms can also help you feel better. It is also important to take care of your hygiene to avoid transmitting the common cold to others.
Is it advisable to go to the sauna during a cold?
During a cold, you often feel tired and exhausted and long for relaxation and warmth. So the sauna could be a welcome distraction. But is it really advisable to visit the sauna during a cold?
Unfortunately, sweating does not help rid the body of viruses and germs. Heat is a favorable environment for most infections to multiply more quickly. Thus, a mild cold can quickly develop into a much more serious illness as a result of visiting the sauna.
Fighting cold viruses requires a lot of energy from our immune system. However, a visit to the sauna can put a strain on the body and weaken the body’s defenses. So if you have a cold, you should not go to the sauna until you feel better.
Be considerate of the well-being of your fellow sauna-goers and do not put them in danger by bringing an illness into the sauna. Enclosed spaces are ideal for the rapid transmission of viruses.
Sauna and cold: alternatives to sauna heat
However, there are other methods that can bring well-being and relief from a cold. Here are some alternatives to the sauna that you should consider:
- Rest and Relaxation: If you are suffering from a cold, it is important to rest and relax to give your body the opportunity to recover. A quiet environment and relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or yoga can help improve your well-being.
- Humid air and inhalations: Humid air and inhalations can help moisten mucous membranes and relieve symptoms of colds such as coughs and runny nose. For example, you can use a humidifier or take a warm bath and add a few drops of essential oils.
- Relaxing Baths: A warm, relaxing bath can help improve your well-being and relieve the symptoms of colds. You can use for example Epsom salt (at Amazon) or add essential oils to make the bath even more soothing.
- Warm drinks: Warm drinks such as tea, soup or hot chocolate can help moisten mucous membranes and improve comfort during a cold. Be sure to drink enough fluids to help your body fight the infection.
- Nasal Rinses: Nasal rinses (on Amazon) with salt water can help moisturize and cleanse mucous membranes, relieving symptoms of colds such as stuffy nose and runny nose. There are several nasal irrigation systems you can try.
- Medications: There are several medications that can be taken for colds to relieve symptoms. These include pain relievers, decongestants and cough suppressants. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to find out which medications are best for you.
- Healthy diet: A healthy diet can help boost your immune system and help your body fight infection. Make sure to eat enough fruits, vegetables and protein and avoid alcohol and junk food.
Our conclusion
Overall, it is better to avoid saunas when you have a cold and focus on alternative ways to relax and heal, such as rest and relaxation, moist air and inhalations, or relaxing baths. This way, you can help your body recover from the infection instead of putting additional stress on it.
Buying tip: Wick Sinus Inhaler – relief for congested sinuses
The Electric Sinus Inhaler provides an effective, natural solution for relieving cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, dry nose and throat, and cough. By using soothing warm steam and essential oils in the VapoPads, breathing is eased and congested airways are cleared. The steam intensity can be easily adjusted via the adjustable steam control and the automatic shut-off gives added safety and reassurance during use.
