Sauna and Disease: Can it Kill Flu Viruses?
author: Xin Rui
2024-05-07
With each change of season, cold and flu viruses arrive one after another, invading our bodies like aliens. This is especially true in crowded spaces where air circulation is poor and temperatures drop, allowing the virus to spread rapidly among the population. While seeking medical attention is the best course of action for severe cases, there's reason to believe that relaxing in a sauna could also be effective in combating the virus. Keep reading to find out more.
Flu virus | Common Cold
（The flu virus, formally known as "influenza virus," is one of the most prevalent diseases in today's society due to its high genetic variability. It typically emerges during autumn and winter, primarily targeting the respiratory epithelial cells via airborne transmission, resulting in respiratory infections. Symptoms commonly include high fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, headache, muscle pain, and, in severe cases, complications like pneumonia and myocarditis.
The common cold, also referred to as an "upper respiratory tract infection," generally presents with mild symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, mild fever, and muscle pain，Typically, it does not lead to serious complications.(except in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, children, pregnant women,
and those with weakened immune systems.)
The difference between the two
The distinction between the two lies in the severity of symptoms, with the flu virus typically causing more severe manifestations. Flu outbreaks often occur suddenly, with symptoms appearing rapidly and potentially leading to serious complications. Conversely, the common cold typically results in milder symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and mild headaches, usually without serious complications. Furthermore, antiviral medications can alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the flu virus, whereas common cold symptoms are typically managed through rest, hydration, and over-the-counter antipyretic and analgesic medications.
The Impact of Saunas on Viruse
Firstly, studies have shown that in saunas, high temperatures can induce a temporary artificial fever in the human body, which helps stimulate the immune system. If you are infected, the high temperature in the sauna can boost the production of white blood cells, thereby aiding in the elimination of harmful bacteria.
Secondly, the elevated temperature in the sauna can effectively kill or inhibit certain viruses. Numerous studies have demonstrated that viruses generally exhibit poor survivability in high-temperature environments, thus reducing the likelihood of viral spread in saunas.
Lastly, the dry air in the sauna can suppress mucus production. When the humidity in the sauna ranges between 40%, individuals typically experience comfort, whereas humidity levels below 20% can lead to dry mucous membranes, thereby diminishing our ability to fend off infections. Although the relative humidity in traditional saunas typically falls within the range of 10%-20%, periodically pouring water onto the sauna stones significantly increases air humidity, creating optimal conditions for mucus regeneration and tissue repair.
Saunas and Coldz
Regular sauna sessions reduce the likelihood of catching a cold. Here's why:
1.In a sauna, high temperatures elevate the body's temperature, increasing sweat release and aiding in detoxification.
2.The sauna's heat promotes blood circulation and oxygenation, boosting the body's immunity. Improved oxygen transport to various body parts helps alleviate mental fatigue and muscle soreness.
3.Saunas help open the respiratory tract, providing relief from nasal congestion caused by colds.
4.The common cold is caused by the rhinovirus. In saunas, this virus cannot withstand high temperatures. Just 15-20 minutes in the sauna can activate the body's immune system and reduce rhinovirus reproduction by over 90%.
According to research, frequent sauna-goers have a significantly lower risk of catching a common cold. Therefore, saunas can effectively reduce the likelihood of catching a cold.
Is it advisable to use a sauna when I have the flu or a cold?
While saunas are beneficial for colds, I don't recommend taking a sauna bath when you already have a cold or the flu! This increases the risk of dehydration and heightened heat stress, It is more likely to exacerbate symptoms. A 2010 study in the《 Australian Medical Journal 》showed that breathing in the hot air of a sauna during a common cold or the flu had no significant effect on overall symptoms.
Conclusion
Although saunas offer health benefits for our bodies, it is best to avoid sauna use when you are truly ill and follow the doctor's advice. When people are sick, their bodies are weaker, and subjecting them to drastic temperature changes can exacerbate their condition.
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