Is it better to be hot when you have a cold?
Feeling feverish with a cold? Contrary to popular belief, intentionally raising your body temperature wont cure it. While a warm bath might offer temporary comfort, sweating it out doesnt actually fight the virus causing your illness. Focus on rest and hydration instead.
Debunking the Myth: Is it Beneficial to Raise Your Body Temperature During a Cold?
Despite the long-held belief that intentionally raising one’s body temperature can alleviate the symptoms of a cold, scientific evidence suggests otherwise. The notion that sweating out a cold through hot baths or saunas can effectively combat the virus is simply a misconception.
While a warm bath may provide temporary comfort by easing congestion and body aches, it does not directly affect the underlying viral infection. Sweating does not expel the virus from the body or accelerate its eradication.
In fact, raising your body temperature can have detrimental effects on your overall health. Fever is a natural response by the body to fight infection, but artificially increasing your temperature can put additional strain on your system. High temperatures can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and in severe cases, heat stroke.
Instead of focusing on raising your body temperature, prioritize rest and hydration during a cold. Rest allows your body to dedicate its resources to fighting the infection, while adequate fluid intake helps maintain hydration and prevents complications such as dehydration.
Over-the-counter cold medications can provide temporary relief from symptoms such as nasal congestion, cough, and sore throat. However, they do not cure the underlying cold virus. Only time and the body’s immune response can effectively address the infection.
In conclusion, while intentionally raising your body temperature may offer momentary comfort, it does not cure a cold. Focus on rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms and support your body’s natural recovery process.