It is believed that the treatment of viruses and colds with alcohol has a beneficial effect on the body. However, using alcohol during periods of illness and a decline in the immune system is recommended only 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 the flu
Experts agree that colds and alcohol are not interrelated in any way. During viral illness (ARVI), pathogenic bacteria spread throughout the body. First of all, they affect the mucous membranes of the mouth and nasal cavity. As a result, ARVI symptoms occur:
- runny nose;
- cough;
- increase in temperature;
- sore throat.
Alcohol for colds cannot kill bacteria. When small doses of wine or brandy are consumed, irritation of the mucous membranes occurs, swelling is formed and the patient’s condition worsens at certain times.
For your information! Small doses of any alcoholic beverage can interfere with the function of the pancreas, as a result of which the production and recovery of new cells in the tissues is suppressed. Experts do not recommend drinking alcohol for colds, because ethanol products do not kill bacteria.
It is not recommended to drink vodka at high body temperature, during illness, the body, therefore, becomes intoxicated, and drinking alcohol can significantly increase it and harm a person. If, with an acute respiratory infection, a sick person decides to treat the flu with alcohol, the body’s protective function will slow down the production of interferon and can trigger an increase in body temperature. This process will increase significantly in time and in the fight against the virus.
How to treat a viral infection with alcohol?
The main function performed by alcohol is disinfection. It is recommended for acute sore throat to drink a few sips of any strong alcoholic beverage. Ethanol products will help neutralize viruses, as well as prevent pathogenic bacteria from entering the bronchi and lungs. However, you should take alcohol for the flu with caution, otherwise you can get drunk.
For your information! Hot wine or a glass of vodka can prevent disease, but not cure it. This is because spirits alter the acid-base balance and increase acidity levels.
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 pathology of the upper respiratory tract. Alcoholic beverages taken for angina can trigger sharp jumps in body temperature and dehydration, 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, pain;
- shivering.
With complex symptoms, it is enough to drink a cup of hot tea with the addition of 60 ml of wine or other liquor. 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 incompatible. Strong drinks (40 degrees) have a negative effect on the inflamed mucous membranes of the nasopharynx and irritated tonsils. Often, with angina, the pathogenic microflora is disrupted, which is influenced by staphylococcus and streptococcal bacteria. When a person falls ill, his or her immunity decreases, pathogenic bacteria grow and affect healthy tissues. Therefore, from a medical point of view, alcohol can not kill a sore throat, it can only eliminate the early symptoms of viral diseases.
Important! With acute angina, the use of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited.
Precautions
It is possible to achieve results in the fight against ARVI with the help of alcohol only in the early stages of the disease (hypothermia, the appearance of 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 drinks and is outside at low temperatures for some time, his heat transfer is significantly reduced and there is a possibility of becoming too cold.
For your information! Research has shown that at least 50 ml of liquor can have a good effect in fighting the common cold.
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 reduced, the function of all organs and systems is affected. If the patient suffers from alcoholism, treatment with this method is impossible.
It is recommended to carry out treatment of acute viral diseases in the complex with mandatory adherence to bed rest. Drinking with the flu is only possible if the infection has not yet infected the patient's lungs and bronchi.