Treating viruses and colds with alcohol is believed to have a beneficial effect on the body. However, the use of alcohol during a period of illness and a weakened immune system is recommended only in the early stages of the illness. In this article, we'll tell you how the body behaves during the period of illness, and we'll also consider how alcohol cures the common cold.
alcohol and flu
Experts agree that colds and alcohol are not related at all. In the course of a viral illness (ARVI), pathogenic bacteria spread throughout the body. First, they affect the mucous membrane of the mouth and nasal cavity. As a result, ARVI symptoms occur:
- running nose;
- cough;
- temperature increase;
- sore throat.
Cold alcohol does not kill bacteria. When a small dose of wine or brandy is consumed, irritation of the mucous membrane occurs, swelling forms, and sometimes the patient's condition worsens.
For information! A small dose of any alcoholic beverage can impair the functionality of the pancreas, as a result of which the production and restoration of new tissue cells is suppressed. Experts don't recommend drinking alcohol for colds, because ethanol products don't kill bacteria.
It is not recommended to drink vodka at high body temperature during an illness, the body therefore becomes intoxicated, and alcohol consumption can significantly increase it and harm a person. If, in acute respiratory infections, the patient decides to treat the cold with alcohol, the body's protective function will decrease interferon production and may cause an increase in body temperature. This process will increase significantly over time and in the fight against viruses.
How to treat viral infections with alcohol?
The main function of alcohol is disinfection. It is recommended for an acute sore throat to drink a few sips of any strong alcoholic beverage. Ethanol products help neutralize viruses as well as prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering the bronchi and lungs. However, you should drink alcohol for colds carefully, otherwise you might get drunk.
For information! Mulled wine or a glass of vodka can prevent illness but not cure it. This is because spirits alter the acid-base balance and increase the acidity level.
But is it possible to drink vodka with a sore throat? It is known that tonsillitis or tonsillitis is an acute inflammation of the tonsils that occurs with the flu, its complications, sinusitis and upper respiratory tract pathologies. Drinking alcoholic beverages for angina can cause a sharp jump in body temperature and dehydration, so it is not recommended to drink alcohol during tonsillitis. Effective treatment of colds with ethanol products is possible with the following symptoms:
- sore throat;
- weakness, lethargy, pain;
- chills.
With such a complex of symptoms, it will be enough to drink a cup of hot tea with the addition of 60 ml of wine or another strong drink. Mulled wine with added herbs, spices and honey can also have a positive effect on the patient's general condition.
angina and alcohol
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, in angina, the pathogenic microflora is disturbed, which is affected by staphylococcal and streptococcal bacteria. When a person becomes ill, their body's resistance decreases, pathogenic bacteria develop and affect healthy tissues. Therefore, from a medical point of view, alcohol cannot kill a sore throat, but only remove the initial symptoms of a viral illness.
Important! In acute angina, the use of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
Preventive actions
It is possible to obtain results in the fight against ARVI with the help of alcohol only in the initial phase of the disease (hypothermia, appearance of runny nose, feeling of congestion in the throat and nasal cavity). A small dose of alcohol after the resulting hypothermia will have a beneficial effect on the body and will neutralize pathogenic microbes. If a person has drank and has been outdoors at a low temperature for some time, their heat transfer is significantly reduced and there is the possibility of further cooling.
For information! Research has shown that just 50 ml of strong drink can have a beneficial effect on fighting colds.
The main thing in the treatment of flu 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 carry out the treatment of acute viral diseases in a complex with mandatory observance of bed rest. Cold drinking is only possible if the infection has not yet had time to infect the patient's lungs and bronchi.