As the temperature drops and cold and flu season approaches, many of us turn to various methods to stay healthy and combat illness. One widespread practice is visiting saunas or steam rooms. But when it comes down to it, which one truly reigns supreme for fighting off a cold?
As a thermal expert, I have extensively researched this topic and am here to provide you with the facts and help answer this age-old question. So, let's dive in and find out: is a sauna or steam room best for a cold?
Maybe, to refresh your mind!
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All about the common cold
Before discussing saunas and steam rooms, let's quickly review the common cold. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the common cold is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects our nose, sinuses, windpipe, and throat. Over 200 viruses can cause cold-like symptoms, with rhinoviruses being the most prevalent.
These viruses can quickly spread through direct contact with infected surfaces and through the air if an infected individual coughs or sneezes around you.
Once contracted, these viruses target the cells lining our nose and throat as hosts to multiply and spread. This results in various symptoms, including a sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.
While colds are usually harmless and resolve on their own within a week or two, they can still significantly impact our daily lives. Feeling under the weather can affect our energy levels and productivity. That's where saunas and steam rooms come in - they may help alleviate symptoms and provide some much-needed relief for those feeling under the weather due to a cold.
With that said, let's dive into the debate surrounding saunas and steam rooms and their effects on colds.