Should You Drink Alcohol When Sick?

Should You Drink Alcohol When You Have a Cold? If you’re feeling sick, drinking alcohol might be a bad idea. Catching a cold can make you feel pretty lousy. The coughing, sneezing, congestion, and other symptoms associated with being sick can make even the simplest of tasks feel exhausting.

Making sure to get enough rest, remembering to drink enough water, and taking it easy for a bit are all things that can help you feel better. One thing that may not? Alcohol. “You should not drink alcohol when you have a cold,” says Dr. Robert Segal, Co-Founder of, “Your immune system is already weakened when you are sick.

Adding alcohol to that equation can only prolong the process of getting better.” Keep reading to find out why drinking alcohol while sick can prolong and worsen your symptoms. Alcohol’s effect on your immune system is one reason to avoid drinking while sick.

Drinking alcohol can weaken your body’s ability to fight off infection.1 A weakened immune system can make your body more susceptible to getting sick and slow down recovery.2 Another way that drinking alcohol while sick can prolong your recovery is by interrupting your sleep.
Your body needs rest to recover from sickness.3 Getting enough sleep is important to feeling better, but drinking alcohol can impair your sleep in a number of ways.4 A glass of wine might help you fall asleep, but alcohol is disruptive to getting a good night’s rest.

Alcohol disrupts REM sleep, the most restorative type of sleep, which can leave you feeling groggy in the morning.4 It also turns on a sleep pattern called alpha activity, which keeps your body from getting the deep sleep it needs.4 Not getting enough sleep can make your cold or flu symptoms worse while also prolonging the recovery process.

Headaches and body aches Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain Fatigue and weakness

Alcohol can also cause dehydration. According to Dr. Segal, we risk becoming increasingly dehydrated when we consume alcohol, and “being dehydrated can make congestion worse.” Should You Drink Alcohol When Sick

Does drinking alcohol make a cold worse?

Seven Mistakes That Will Make Your Cold Worse – December 3rd, 2013 | Cold & Flu, Flu Season, General Health Should You Drink Alcohol When Sick A lot of what we believe about the common cold is myth. No, you won’t get a cold because you went outside with a wet head or slept in a drafty room. But here’s what is true. When you’re sick, some common mistakes can make your cold symptoms worse — or prevent you from getting better.

If you’re feeling crummy and stuffed up, here are 7 things that could make your cold worse.1. Pretending you’re not sick. This never works. You can’t ignore a cold. When you get sick, you need to take care of yourself. Your body needs extra energy when it’s fighting an infection. If you try to push through a cold, especially if you have a fever, you’ll exhaust yourself.

That could make your cold worse.2. Not sleeping enough. Getting enough sleep is key for a healthy immune system. One study found that sleeping less than 7 hours a night almost triples your risk of getting a cold in the first place. If your cold symptoms keep you up at night, try to go to bed earlier or take naps during the day.

You need extra rest, however you get it.3.
Getting stressed.
It turns out that stress can make you more likely to get a cold.
Over time, high levels of stress hormones can stop your immune system from working normally.
The result: More sick days.4.
Drinking too little.
You need to drink a lot of fluid when you’re sick.

Why? Fluids will help thin your mucus, making your sinuses drain better. Just about any fluid will help. Water, juice, hot tea, and soup are all good. Contrary to what you’ve heard, even milk is OK — the notion that it causes mucus build-up is a myth.5.

Drinking alcohol. Too much alcohol can leave you dehydrated and worsen cold symptoms such as congestion. It can also suppress your immune system and — potentially — interact with cold medications you’re taking. Until you’re feeling better, it’s best to lay off the booze.6. Overusing decongestant sprays.

Be careful with nasal decongestant sprays. They may work well at first. But if you use them for more than three days, your stuffy nose will get worse when you stop.7. Smoking. Smokers get more colds than nonsmokers. They also get worse colds that last longer.

Does alcohol affect immune system when sick?

Heavy drinking weakens your immune system. This makes it easier to get ill and harder to recover from illness. Alcohol reduces the number of bacteria your immune system needs. It also reduces the number of antibodies available to fight off infection.

Should you drink alcohol when you have a sore throat?

You can’t talk, it’s difficult to swallow and you have that icky feeling in your throat. Sorry to break it to you, but you’ve caught yourself a sore throat. It might not be a full-blown cold, but the soreness in your throat is enough to leave you out of commission for a few days at least, and getting relief seems next to impossible. READ MORE: Here’s why Canada may be in for a miserable 2017-18 flu season A sore throat, also known as pharyngitis, is an inflammation of the pharynx (the back of the throat between your tonsils and voice box) and it can be caused by many things, including viruses, yeast and bacteria, the College of Family Physicians of Canada says.

Instead of rushing to the pharmacy for some sort of syrup, however, there are plenty of foods and drinks in your fridge and pantry that can help soothe that sore throat.
Story continues below advertisement But what should you reach for – something hot or cold? According to registered dietitian Andy De Santis, both work fine, it just depends on the person, but drinking plenty of fluids is key.

“Drinking plenty of fluids is a wise strategy when dealing with sore throats as keeping your throat moist may help from a comfort perspective,” he says. “It will also help keep you hydrated, which is an important consideration, especially when you’re sick.” Keep foods soft and make sure they have an easy-to-swallow texture, registered dietitian Nicole Osinga adds.

Some may find relief in ingredients like honey, lemon, ginger, turmeric and sage, but De Santis says there isn’t enough evidence to suggest they are all that effective.
Some people may get relief from these ingredients,” he says.
The good thing about them is that they are all safe to use so even if they don’t work, it really isn’t that big of a deal.” READ MORE: T his year’s flu vaccine might only be 10% effective against predominant strain For a better chance at relief, try tea for a warm option or popsicles if you’d rather cold.

Trending Now Wheat germ and pumpkin seeds may also help with relief as they are high in zinc, which helps with cell growth and the immune system, Osinga adds. Story continues below advertisement Avoid stuff like alcohol, caffeine, very spicy foods and acidic foods (like tomatoes and citrus).

They are all potential irritants that should temporarily be avoided when dealing with a sore throat, De Santis, says. Also, skip crackers, crusty bread and other dry snack foods until your throat feels better, Osinga says. As well, be wary of herbal remedies, De Santis adds, as they may interfere with medication in some cases.

How long after flu can I drink alcohol?

There’s no exact rule for when you can drink alcohol after getting the flu shot or taking flu medications. But it’s best to wait until you have finished your treatment and are feeling back to normal.

Can drinking fight off a cold?

– No, alcohol cannot treat or cure the common cold. Colds are the result of a viral infection. Of over 200 viruses that can potentially cause a cold, rhinoviruses are the most common. There is no cure for these infections. However, because most colds are relatively mild and short-term illnesses, most people do not require medical treatment.

Is whisky good for a cold?

Benefits of Drinking a Hot Toddy: –

Whiskey is a great decongestant, and it helps soothe any pain associated with your head cold.
Hot liquids of any kind are a good way to soothe a sore throat.
Honey and lemon help soothe a cough and any congestion.
Ginger is an optional ingredient, but it really helps with cold symptoms.

Being sick is no excuse for not enjoying yourself! In fact, this is a comforting cocktail whether or not you’re stricken with the winter cold and flu blues. We don’t discriminate. This Hot Toddy is sure to comfort anyone and everyone (except children under the age of 21).

What to drink when you have a cold?

– The best tips for getting over your cold are to drink plenty of fluids and get plenty of rest.

Water, juice, clear broth, and warm water with lemon and honey can really help loosen congestion. Tea is fine, but the decaffeinated kinds are best.A saltwater gargle can help ease a sore throat better than a lot of medications.Saline drops can reduce stuffiness and congestion without the side effects of decongestants.Humidity helps. Take a steamy shower or use a well-cleaned humidifier in small doses.

Is alcohol an immune suppressor?

Alcohol consumption and immunity Alcohol can directly suppress various immune responses, and clinical studies have found alcohol abuse to be associated with an increased incidence of a number of infectious diseases 2, 3.

Why did alcohol help my sore throat?

Why the Hotty Toddy Eases Symptoms – If cold prevention hasn’t been able to fight your cold off, you may want to make a hotty toddy. It is shown by science to help reduce cold symptoms. Whiskey is an effective decongestant. The alcohol dilates the blood vessels.

The steam from the hot beverages works with the decongestant benefits of the alcohol and makes it easier for the mucus membranes to deal with nasal congestion. Whiskey can also relieve aching muscles and soothe a sore throat. The combination of honey and lemon soothe a sore, scratchy throat and can ease a cough.

Honey and lemon are both natural antiseptics and can help the throat heal faster. The honey will coat the throat and make it feel a lot better. Both ingredients contain antioxidants, and the lemon adds a bit of vitamin C. Cinnamon and honey are often taken together to help with coughs.

Can I drink 7 up with a sore throat?

TREATING THE FLU –

Get plenty of rest. Drink at least 2 liters each day of liquids such as non-diet 7-UP, Sprite, Gatorade, ginger ale, broth, tea with sugar (yes, soda pop is OK with a cold or flu). For runny nose and stuffy nose, try a decongestant like 12-Hour Sudafed (available without a prescription). For cough, try a cough syrup like Delsym (available without a prescription). To reduce fever and for symptom management, take ibuprofen (e.g. Motrin, Advil), naproxen (e.g. Aleve) or acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) as directed on the bottle. Avoid aspirin. Taking Tamiflu (oseltamivir) 75mg caps

Typically prescribed only for those in a high-risk group Available at MSU SHP Pharmacy (bring insurance card to help with cost) Dosing: one capsule twice daily if diagnosed with influenza within 48 hours of symptoms. This will lessen severity of influenza symptoms and possibly decrease illness duration by 24 hours.

For vomiting, don’t eat or drink anything until you have not vomited for 4 hours, then sip on liquids (see above avoid plain water as it can make vomiting worse) for 24 hours. If no further vomiting, begin eating mild foods like crackers, mashed potatoes, rice, applesauce for 24 hours.

Can you drink alcohol with cold and flu?

Side Effects of Allergy, Cold, and Flu Medicine – Each medication has intended uses and side effects that may be experienced somewhat differently by each individual using the product. Common side effects of allergy, cold, and flu medications include: 2,3,4

Excitability (esp. in children). Nervousness. Sleep problems. Drowsiness. Upset stomach. Nausea/vomiting. Dry mouth. Lightheadedness. Dizziness.

The common and milder side effects of these medications typically resolve on their own. However, other more serious side effects may occur, especially if you take the more of the drug than is recommended or take the medication with other drugs that contain some or all of the same ingredients.

For example, many of these medicines contain acetaminophen and an overdose of acetaminophen can do serious harm to your liver. DayQuil is one such commonly used medication. It contains 325 mg of acetaminophen per capsule and 650 mg per each liquid dose (30 mL). Per the manufacturer’s website, taking more than 4 of the recommended doses in a period of 24 hours or taking it with another acetaminophen-containing drug may cause severe liver damage.5 Taking these medicines with alcohol lowers the threshold for sustaining liver injury and compounds this risk (see below).

If you’ve taken too much of an acetaminophen-containing drug or taken more than one of these medicines and you being to feel abdominal pain, nausea, or begin vomiting, seek emergency medical attention. Liver problems are not the only severe side effect.

Is wine good for a cold?

Can I drink wine if I have the flu? Q: Can I drink wine if I have the flu? —Amaryllis, Teaneck, N.J. A: Influenza, better known as the flu, is a class of contagious viruses that cause mild to severe respiratory illness. “The general rule is that if you don’t feel well enough to do your normal daily routine, it isn’t a great idea to drink alcohol,” otolaryngologist Dr.

Jason Abramowitz of ENT and Allergy Associates in New York told Wine Spectator,
While wine has certain antioxidants that some studies say can help u, once you are sick, alcohol can make things worse.” “Specifically, wine can dehydrate you,” he adds, “which can worsen symptoms of the flu.
Alcohol can also have a sedative effect, which can sometimes add to the side effects of many cold and flu medications.

If you have a cold, a glass of wine here and there is OK, but don’t overdo it.” Dr. Abramowitz recommends against drinking alcohol if you have a fever, as well. As always, consult your personal physician if you’re unsure about the health effects of consuming wine.

Can you survive cold with alcohol?

The dangers of alcohol and cold weather – Alcohol can impair our decision-making ability, which can lead us to take risks we wouldn’t when sober.2 The combination of drinking alcohol and cold weather can be lethal. For example, taking the decision to walk home without a jacket when it’s snowing could lead to a dramatic fall in your body temperature, leading to hypothermia.3 And severe hypothermia can be fatal if not identified and treated promptly.

What is the number one thing to do when sick?

By DARCY DiBIASE When you’re not feeling well, it’s hard to do anything but not feel well. Antibiotics won’t help if you’re suffering with a cold or flu caused by a virus. But you can take measures to help yourself feel better. Try adding these to your self-care regimen: Stay home and rest Many viruses, including influenza, come on hard and fast.

Alert your workplace or school that you’re unwell and stay home to limit exposing others. While home, wash your hands often with soap and water, wipe down high-touch surfaces with a disinfectant and try to stay away from others in your home. Your body needs to battle what is ailing you. “Extra sleep can help your immune system function at its best and potentially shorten the duration of your illness,” says Heather Finn, MD, of Upstate Family and Preventive Medicine.

“It can also help prevent you from becoming sick in the first place.” Get additional sleep if you can, or curl up with a blanket to read, do a crossword puzzle or watch TV. Additionally, making sure you have enough sleep every night can help strengthen your immune system to keep you from getting sick next time.

Trying to maintain a regular sleep schedule of at least eight hours per night can help optimize your health,” she says.
Healthy people can expect to fight a cold for seven to 10 days.
Flu symptoms should go away in about five days, but you may still feel weak for days after.
Consider yourself contagious until you have been free of symptoms for two to three days.

“If you have other medical conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension, heart disease or lung disease like asthma or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), contact your primary care provider, as your illness can affect these other aspects of your health,” Finn says.

Hydrate and humidify Drink more water, warm tea, or broth to increase your fluids.
This helps keep your respiratory system hydrated and thin out any mucus, so it can’t build up in your lungs to cause an infection.
Warm tea with honey hydrates and soothes a sore throat or cough,” says Finn.
Be sure to avoid honey in infants under the age of 1, however, as this carries the risk of botulism.” If you’re feeling congested in your head or chest, spend some time in a warm, steamy bathroom.

Close the door and let the shower run hot. If the air in your home is dry, run a humidifier or vaporizer in the room where you’re resting. Treat your symptoms “There may be no medication to cure your illness, but over-the-counter (OTC) medications can help with your most critical symptoms,” Finn says.

Acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen can all help lower a fever and soothe aches. Ask your doctor which is best for you. “There is no need to treat a mild fever just to bring the number down. However, if your fever is making you uncomfortable, use the OTC fever reducer and soak a washcloth in cold water and place it on your forehead or back of your neck,” says Finn.

The old wives’ tale of “sweating it out” is just that. Keep your body temperature where you are comfortable, so you can rest. If you have a cough, an expectorant can help thin mucus, so you can cough it up. Lozenges, especially those with menthol, can also help quiet coughs and soothe sore throats.

Both colds and flus can cause increased mucus. Antihistamines and decongestants can help with a runny or congested nose. Finn cautions to check with your doctor before you use these medications, especially decongestants, as some of them can raise blood pressure or cause heart issues. She says saline nose drops and sprays are safe and effective for all ages to help break up nasal congestion.

Put several drops into one nostril and gently blow the mucus and saline out. Repeat on the other side. Eat well “In addition to hydrating, be sure to eat nourishing foods, including fruits, vegetables and whole grains,” says Finn. When to call the doctor It’s time to call your primary care doctor if: – Your symptoms get worse or won’t go away.

You have a high fever – 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher for an infant, or 102 degrees or higher in children or adults – or if your fever lasts for more than three days.
You are vomiting, wheezing or have periods with shortness of breath or chest discomfort.
You develop a painful earache or have drainage from your ear.

– You have pain in your face or forehead with thick yellow or green mucus for more than a week.

What’s the worst thing to eat when sick?

When you’re under the weather, the last thing you want is to eat something that makes you feel worse. But what if you’re not interested in chicken soup or crackers, and you’re craving ice cream or a glass of wine? What you should eat depends on your condition, experts say.

Here are common symptoms and expert suggestions on foods that help—and hinder—relief. Arx0nt / Getty Images For diarrhea caused by a stomach virus or a meal that didn’t agree with you, try bland foods, suggested James Lee, MD, gastroenterologist with St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, Calif. “Many different things can cause diarrhea, such as Crohn’s disease or colitis,” so see your healthcare provider if symptoms continue for longer than two weeks or sooner if signs of dehydration appear, or if diarrhea is accompanied by fever, blood, severe pain, or severe nausea and vomiting.

Best foods : Eat bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Also, oatmeal, baked potatoes, pretzels, and baked chicken or turkey without skin are safe bets. Eat vegetables such as carrots and green beans, but be sure to cook them first. Worst foods : Sugarless candy, gum, and other products containing sorbitol or other sugar alcohols can trigger diarrhea in some people.

Foods that cause gas and bloating include peppers, peas, broccoli, corn, and beans.
Dairy, alcohol, caffeine, greasy and fried foods may also aggravate diarrhea.
Factors like medications, lack of exercise, and not eating enough fiber-rich whole grains, fruits, and veggies may cause constipation,
Adults need between 25 and 30 grams of fiber a day,” said Dr.

Lee. Best foods : High-fiber whole grain bread, nuts, beans, prunes, oatmeal, flaxseed, broccoli, pears, and apples. Drinking six to eight glasses of water daily also helps get things moving, said Dr. Lee. Worst foods : Sugary sweets, dairy products, iron supplements, high-fat meats, and processed foods may worsen constipation.

Feeling queasy makes all foods sound unappealing, but the right ones can ease symptoms by calming stomach acids, said Dr. Lee.
In general, keep food portions small and odors to a minimum,” Dr.
Lee added.
Best foods : Saltine crackers or pretzels can help, said Dr.
Lee, as could small quantities of dry toast or cereal.

Opt for bland foods, like noodles, English muffins, or foods that contain a lot of water, such as popsicles or clear soup. Worst foods : Greasy, spicy, salty, or processed foods, caffeine, alcohol, and carbonated drinks can worsen nausea. Certain foods can coat your throat and soothe the pain when you have a sore throat, said Lauren Slayton, RD, founder of Foodtrainers.com.

Best foods : Try keeping your throat moist with hard candies or lozenges and drinking plenty of fluids.
Soft, creamy foods such as cream soups, mashed potatoes, yogurt, scrambled eggs, and custards may be more tolerable to eat with a sore throat,
Worst foods : Avoid hard, scratchy foods such as potato chips, nuts, and granola.

The acidic juices from many fruits and vegetables, as well as orange juice, grape juice, and lemonade, can also irritate a sore throat. Foods that ease muscle aches depend on the specific reason for the body aches, said Kristine Arthur, MD, an internist at Orange Coast Memorial Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California.

For general muscle aches, food containing magnesium or calcium may help ease soreness,” Dr.
Arthur said.
Best foods : Good magnesium sources include green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, dried beans, and whole grains.
Meanwhile, foods high in calcium include canned salmon, yogurt, leafy greens, and orange juice fortified with calcium.

Worst foods : Anything that dehydrates you can worsen muscle aches, said Dr. Arthur, particularly alcohol and caffeine. Dehydration is one of the leading causes of headaches, said Dr. Arthur, so it’s best to treat that cause first and see if it relieves your pain.

Best foods : Water and other fluids are your best bet. “Drink a bottle of water and wait 20 minutes to see if you feel better,” said Dr. Arthur. Caffeine is known for drying you out, but ironically, small doses may occasionally help relieve migraines in some people. “But for each cup of tea or coffee, drink an equal amount of water to avoid dehydration,” Dr.

Arthur said. Worst foods : People who experience headaches on a daily basis are advised against consuming caffeine. While more research is needed, other foods believed to trigger headaches include artificial sweeteners, MSG (found in sauces and soy sauce ), and aged cheeses (blue, stilton) that contain tyramine, plus red wine and processed meats.

MSG is metabolized to glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, said Dr. Arthur.
Tyramine links to increased blood pressure, which might trigger headaches.
Earaches typically accompany other symptoms, said Dr. Arthur.
So they’re not correlated with any food in general.” Since they often occur with upper respiratory infections, earaches might also benefit from foods that clear up congestion.

Best foods : Clear fluids and chicken soup may ease congestion by loosening up mucus in nasal passages. Omega-3s in salmon and nuts decrease inflammation, and vitamin C in dark leafy greens, berries, and citrus boosts the immune system, said Dr. Arthur.

Worst foods : Some people find that dairy can make phlegm feel thicker, except yogurt, which contains probiotics, said Dr. Arthur. “Stay away from processed and packaged foods, too, which increase inflammation and lengthen the recovery process.” This could be a symptom of an allergy, said Dr. Arthur, who suggested maintaining a detailed food journal to pinpoint possible triggers.

Call your healthcare provider if symptoms are severe or last longer than a few weeks. Best foods : Omega-3-containing foods such as fatty fish (salmon, sardines), walnut and flax seed oils, and foods high in protein, are all important for skin health, said Dr.

Arthur. “Skin is made up of proteins, so a diet adequate in protein is necessary for skin protein synthesis.” Worst foods : The most common foods that cause itching are nuts, chocolate, fish, tomatoes, eggs, berries, soy, wheat, and milk, said Debra Jaliman, MD, dermatologist and author of Skin Rules: Trade Secrets from a Top New York Dermatologist.

When you have a cold, the worst symptom might be a nose that just won’t stop running, Aside from taking a steamy shower, Slayton suggested drinking warm tea—it may not slow down the drip, but a soothing tea might help you feel a bit better. Best foods : Try Wakaya ginger tea, suggested Slayton.

Ginger contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may help clear up a cold faster than just waiting it out. “Apple cider and lemon in water works well, too,” Slayton added. Worst foods : Spicy foods can cause an immediate runny nose, as may alcohol. A cold, flu, or sinus infection can irritate and inflame your nose’s blood vessels, making breathing hard.

Aside from inhaling steam from a hot shower or using a humidifier, if you’re stopped up, some foods can help. Best foods : Slayton recommended “golden milk,” which includes turmeric, a spice known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Worst foods : Skip spicy foods and sugar, which can aggravate symptoms, said Slayton.

What makes you better when sick?

Cold remedies that work – If you catch a cold, you can expect to be sick for one to two weeks. That doesn’t mean you have to be miserable. These remedies might help you feel better:

Stay hydrated. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen congestion and prevents dehydration. Avoid alcohol, coffee and caffeinated sodas, which can make dehydration worse.
Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.
Soothe a sore throat. A saltwater gargle — 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt dissolved in an 8-ounce glass of warm water — can temporarily relieve a sore or scratchy throat. Children younger than 6 years are unlikely to be able to gargle properly. You can also try ice chips, sore throat sprays, lozenges or hard candy. Use caution when giving lozenges or hard candy to children because they can choke on them. Don’t give lozenges or hard candy to children younger than 6 years.
Combat stuffiness. Over-the-counter saline nasal drops and sprays can help relieve stuffiness and congestion. In infants, experts recommend putting several saline drops into one nostril, then gently suctioning that nostril with a bulb syringe. To do this, squeeze the bulb, gently place the syringe tip in the nostril about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 12 millimeters), and slowly release the bulb. Saline nasal sprays may be used in older children.
Relieve pain. For children 6 months or younger, give only acetaminophen. For children older than 6 months, give either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Ask your child’s doctor for the correct dose for your child’s age and weight. Adults can take acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin. Use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers. Though aspirin is approved for use in children older than age 3, children and teenagers recovering from chickenpox or flu-like symptoms should never take aspirin. This is because aspirin has been linked to Reye’s syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening condition, in such children.
Sip warm liquids. A cold remedy used in many cultures, taking in warm liquids, such as chicken soup, tea or warm apple juice, might be soothing and might ease congestion by increasing mucus flow.
Try honey. Honey may help coughs in adults and children who are older than age 1. Try it in hot tea.
Add moisture to the air. A cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier can add moisture to your home, which might help loosen congestion. Change the water daily, and clean the unit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Try over-the-counter (OTC) cold and cough medications. For adults and children age 5 and older, OTC decongestants, antihistamines and pain relievers might offer some symptom relief. However, they won’t prevent a cold or shorten its duration, and most have some side effects. Experts agree that these shouldn’t be given to younger children. Overuse and misuse of these medications can cause serious damage. Talk with your child’s doctor before giving any medications. Take medications only as directed. Some cold remedies contain multiple ingredients, such as a decongestant plus a pain reliever, so read the labels of cold medications you take to make sure you’re not taking too much of any medication.

Will alcohol make a sore throat worse?

The effect of alcohol on your throat – Consuming large amounts of alcohol causes the tissues within the throat to dry out which increases the risk of an infection. Alcohol also changes the way parts of the throat work, for example the epiglottis, Copious amounts of alcohol also inflame the sensitive membranes within the throat.

Many people drink alcohol when they have a dry or sore throat in the belief that this will ease it but the opposite is true. What happens is that the alcohol dries the tissues out which further exacerbates their sore throat. Alcohol has been linked to a range of diseases of the head, neck and throat. Note : if you have a bacterial throat infection and are taking antibiotics for this then avoid alcohol.

It is tempting to have a few drinks, hoping that this will relieve any symptoms and help you to sleep. But it is dangerous to combine alcohol with any form of medication. If you are suffering from a sore throat then choose a soft drink, water or a fruit smoothie instead.

Does drinking cold make you sicker?

– Some studies suggest that drinking colder water during exercise may improve a person’s performance and endurance. For example, a 2012 study involving 45 physically fit males found that drinking cold water during exercise significantly reduced the rise in core body temperature compared with drinking room temperature water.

A study from 2014 investigated the effects of different drinks on the cycling performance of 12 trained male athletes in a tropical climate. The researchers reported that drinking an ice-slush beverage was better for performance than drinking water at a neutral temperature. However, they also concluded that the athletes achieved the best performance when consuming an ice-slush beverage that also had a menthol aroma.

Some people claim that drinking cold water can help promote weight loss. Although some studies suggest that drinking more water can help the body burn slightly more calories, there appears to be little difference between drinking cold and room temperature water.