Sauna for colds

Sweating out pathogens or just hot air?

If a cold is noticeable by fever, headache, sore throat and body aches, then a sauna session is not a good idea. After all, our body then needs rest and recovery instead of additional stress. While a sauna session in a healthy state can contribute to strengthening our immune system, one should refrain from a sauna for colds. A cold can not be "sweated out" either. But when is sauna useful again after a cold and what about bathing with a cold?

Off to the sauna if you have a cold?

Without a doubt, saunas have numerous positive effects: We train our circulation, relax our muscles and, above all, strengthen our immune system. You might think that the warmth and sweating in the sauna help with a cold or the temperature change stimulates the defenses. A fallacy: If you have already caught a cold, a sauna session is not a good idea.

Why is sauna not a good idea if you have a cold?

In the case of a cold, our immune system is busy defending against the infection. A sauna for colds means additional stress for our body, because the temperature change puts a strain on the cardiovascular system. For this reason, you should also pay attention to pre-existing conditions, such as high blood pressure, with the sauna and talk to the doctor about it in advance.

For example, a sauna for colds can even make them worse, especially since germs can multiply better in the hot air. In any case, you should refrain from visiting the sauna for colds in order not to infect fellow human beings. With a sauna visit you could only prevent a cold.

To the sauna when a cold is on the way?

In case of slight signs of an infection, it is basically possible to visit the sauna. The balance between the stimulating and the stressful effect of the sweat cure is not always easy to find. Therefore, the motto is: listen to your own body, estimate the course of the cold and, of course, do not underestimate the risk of infection.

In any case, with a slight cold, you should choose a sauna that is not very hot and refrain from a strong cooling. A steam sauna can have a positive effect on the mucous membranes, similar to inhalation.

When can I go back to the sauna after a cold?

If the cold has subsided and you feel recovered, there is nothing against the sauna. After a flu, you should treat yourself to a slightly longer break. Whether cold or flu,the duration of recovery depends on the severity of the infection. With physically strenuous activities, including sauna or sports for colds,you should wait until all symptoms subside and practice patience for a few more days. In the worst case, the infection could break out again after a delayed cold.

In general, it is advisable not to use the sauna at very high temperatures after a cold. Instead of a Finnish sauna, a bio sauna, family sauna or steam sauna makes more sense to slowly get used to the temperature differences again. Therefore, you should first be careful when cooling down after the sauna. More than two courses in the sauna are not recommended shortly after a cold.

Can I bathe if I have a cold?

The same applies to bathing with a cold. A warm bathtub is perceived by many sufferers as pleasant. After all, warm water vapor, possibly with essential oils, can free the mucous membranes and have a relaxing effect. After bathing with a cold, you should carefully dry your body and hair, wrap yourself warm and rest.

However, this applies more to the initial stage of the infection. Bathing in case of a cold with more severe symptoms or even fever is not recommended. Similar to a visit to the sauna, a bath would then put additional strain on the body and is not very helpful for recovery. Until the next bath or sauna, hot tea, chicken soup and a lot of rest are announced.