Can I drink alcohol for flu and colds?

Treatment of viral and colds with alcohol is believed to have a beneficial effect on the body. However, the use of alcohol during the period of illness and the reduction of the immune system is recommended only in the initial stages of the disease. In this article, we will tell you how the body behaves during the period of illness, and we will also consider how alcohol treats colds.

Alcohol and flu

tablets for colds and alcohol consumption

Experts agree that colds and alcohol are in no way related. During viral disease (ARVI), pathogenic bacteria spread throughout the body. First of all, they affect the mucous membranes of the lips and nasal cavity. As a result, ARVI symptoms appear:

  • runny nose;
  • cough;
  • increase in temperature;
  • Sore throat.

Cold alcohol cannot kill bacteria. Consumption of a small dose of wine or brandy irritates the mucous membranes, forms swelling and occasionally worsens the patient's condition.

For information! A small dose of any alcoholic beverage can disrupt the functionality of the pancreas, which suppresses the production and renewal of new cells in the tissues. Experts do not recommend consuming alcohol for colds, heretanol products do not kill bacteria.

It is not recommended to drink vodka at a high body temperature, during the disease the body, therefore, gets intoxicated, and drinking alcohol can significantly increase it and harm a person. If the patient decides to treat a cold with alcohol in acute respiratory infections, the body's protective function will slow down the production of interferon and may cause a rise in body temperature. This process will increase significantly over time and in the fight against the virus.

How to treat viral infections with alcohol?

mulled wine to treat colds

The main function performed by alcohol is disinfection. In case of acute sore throat, it is recommended to drink a few sips of any strong alcoholic beverage. Ethanol products will help neutralize viruses as well as prevent the entry of pathogenic bacteria into the bronchi and lungs. However, with a cold, you should drink alcohol carefully, otherwise you can get drunk.

For information! Hot wine or one glass of vodka can prevent the disease, but not cure it. This is because alcoholic beverages change the acid-base balance and increase the level of acidity.

But is it possible to drink vodka with a sore throat? Tonsillitis or tonsillitis is known to be an acute inflammation of the tonsils that occurs with influenza, its complications, sinusitis and pathology of the upper respiratory tract. Drinking alcohol for angina can cause a sharp rise in temperature and dehydration of the body, so it is not recommended to drink alcohol during tonsillitis. Effective treatment of colds with ethanol products is possible with the following symptoms:

  • dry throat;
  • nausea, lethargy, pain;
  • horror.

With such a complex of symptoms, it is enough to drink a cup of hot tea with the addition of 60 ml of wine or other spirits. Mulled wine with the addition of herbs, spices and honey can also have a positive effect on the general condition of the patient.

Angina and alcohol

sore throat and alcohol consumption

Can I drink alcohol with angina? Experts say that angina and alcohol are not compatible. Strong drinks (40 degrees) have a negative effect on the inflamed mucous membrane of the nasopharynx and irritated tonsils. Most often, with angina, the pathogenic microflora is disturbed, which is affected by staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria. When a person becomes ill, his body's resistance decreases, and pathogenic bacteria develop that affect healthy tissues. Therefore, from a medical point of view, alcohol cannot kill a sore throat, it can only eliminate the initial symptoms of a viral disease.

Bitan! In acute angina, the use of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.

Preventive actions

It is possible to achieve results in the fight against ARVI with the help of alcohol only in the initial phase of the disease (hypothermia, the appearance of runny nose, a feeling of congestion in the throat and nasal cavity). A small dose of alcohol after hypothermia will have a beneficial effect on the body and neutralize pathogenic microbes. If a person has been drinking and has been outside at a low temperature for some time, his heat transfer is significantly reduced and there is a possibility of catching a cold even more.

For information! Studies have shown that just 50 ml of strong drink can have a beneficial effect in the fight against colds.

The main thing in the treatment of influenza is not to increase the dose of alcohol, if you drink more than you should, the immune system decreases, the functionality of all organs and systems is impaired. If the patient suffers from alcoholism, treatment with this method is impossible.

It is recommended to treat acute viral diseases in the complex with mandatory bed rest. Drinking with a cold is possible only if the infection has not yet had time to infect the patient's lungs and bronchi.