It is believed that treating viruses and colds with alcohol has a beneficial effect on the body. However, the consumption of alcohol during a period of illness and a decrease in the immune system is only recommended in the early stages of the disease. In this article, we will tell you how the body behaves during the period of illness, and also consider how alcohol cures the common cold.
Alcohol and flu
Experts agree that the common cold and alcohol are in no way related. During a viral illness (ARVI), pathogenic bacteria spread throughout the body. First of all, they affect the mucous membrane of the mouth and nasal cavity. As a result, symptoms of ARVI occur:
- runny nose;
- cough;
- temperature increase;
- sore throat.
Alcohol for colds cannot kill bacteria. When a small dose of wine or brandy is consumed, irritation of the mucous membrane occurs, swelling is formed, and the patient's condition sometimes worsens.
For information! A small dose of any alcoholic drink can disrupt the functionality of the pancreas, preventing the production and restoration of new cells in the tissues. Experts do not recommend drinking alcohol for colds because ethanol products do not kill bacteria.
It is not recommended to drink vodka at an elevated body temperature. In case of illness, therefore, the body is intoxicated, and the consumption of alcohol can significantly increase it and harm a person. If, with acute respiratory infections, the sick person decides to treat the common cold with alcohol, the protective function of the body will slow down the production of interferon and may cause an increase in body temperature. This process will increase dramatically 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 acute sore throats to drink a few sips of any strong alcoholic drink. Ethanol products will help neutralize viruses and prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering the bronchi and lungs. However, you need to take alcohol for colds with care, otherwise you can get drunk.
For information! Hot mulled wine or a glass of vodka can prevent illnesses, but not cure them. Indeed, spirits modify the acid-base balance and increase the level of acidity.
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 influenza, its complications, sinusitis and pathologies of the upper respiratory tract. Alcoholic drinks taken for angina pectoris 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:
- a sore throat;
- weakness, lethargy, muscle stiffness;
- chills.
With such a complex of symptoms, it will be enough to drink a hot cup of tea with the addition of 60 ml of wine or other strong drink. 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
Can I drink alcohol with angina? Experts say 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 staphylococcus and streptococcal bacteria. When a person becomes ill, their body's resistance decreases, pathogenic bacteria grow and affect healthy tissue. Therefore, from a medical point of view, alcohol cannot kill a sore throat, it can only suppress the first symptoms of a viral disease.
Important! In acute angina, the consumption 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 at the initial stage of the disease (hypothermia, the appearance of a runny nose, a feeling of congestion in the throat and nasal passages). A small dose of alcohol after the resulting hypothermia will have a beneficial effect on the body and neutralize the pathogenic microbes. If a person were to drink and sit outside at a low temperature for a while, their heat transfer is significantly reduced and there is a possibility of even more supercooling.
For information! Research has shown that as little as 50ml of strong drink can have a beneficial effect in fighting 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 is weakened, 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 the obligatory observance of 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.