It is believed that the treatment of viruses and colds with alcohol has a beneficial effect on the body. However, the use of alcohol during a period of illness and a decrease in 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 heals the common cold.
Alcohol and flu
Experts agree that colds and alcohol are in no way related. In the course of a viral disease (ARVI), pathogenic bacteria spread throughout the body. First of all, they affect the mucous membrane of the mouth and the nasal cavity. As a result, the symptoms of ARVI occur:
- rhinorrhea;
- 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 function of the pancreas, as a result of which the production and restoration of new cells in the tissues is suppressed. Experts advise against drinking alcohol for colds, because ethanol products do not kill bacteria.
It is not recommended to drink vodka at a high body temperature, during an illness, the body, therefore, becomes intoxicated, and drinking alcohol can significantly increase it and harm a person. If, with acute respiratory infections, the sick person decides to treat a 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 significantly increase over time and in the fight against viruses.
How to treat viral infections with alcohol?
The main function performed by alcohol is disinfection. It is recommended for acute sore throats to drink a few sips of any strong alcoholic drink. Ethanol-based products will help neutralize viruses and prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering the bronchi and lungs. However, you should take alcohol for colds carefully, otherwise you can get drunk.
For information! Mulled wine or a glass of vodka can prevent disease, but not cure it. This is because spirits change 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 the flu, its complications, sinusitis and upper respiratory tract pathologies. Alcoholic beverages taken for angina can provoke a sharp rise in temperature and dehydration of the body, so it is not recommended to drink alcohol during tonsillitis. Effective cold treatment with ethanol products is possible with the following symptoms:
- sore throat;
- weakness, lethargy, aches;
- 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 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 sore 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, pathogenic bacteria develop and affect healthy tissues. Therefore, from a medical point of view, alcohol cannot kill a sore throat, it can only remove the initial symptoms of a viral disease.
Important! With 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 stage of the disease (hypothermia, the appearance of a runny nose, a 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 neutralize pathogenic microbes. If a person has been drinking and has been outdoors at a low temperature for some time, their heat transfer is greatly reduced and there is the possibility of overcooling even more.
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 decreases, the functionality of all organs and systems is impaired. If the patient suffers from alcoholism, treatment by this method is impossible.
It is recommended to carry out the treatment of acute viral diseases in a complex with the mandatory 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.