Flu and colds, can infrared sauna help?

How can an infrared sauna help against colds or flu?

Both colds and flu are caused by viruses. However, a cold can usually be solved by yourself, by drinking plenty of fluids, vitamin C and resting well. On the other hand, the flu often needs to be treated by doctor and a medicine is likely to be prescribed to tackle the flu virus. Symptoms of the common cold include: sore throat, runny nose, congestion, sneezing and coughing. Flu has all these symptoms, but also includes headache, muscle pain and fever. Fever is part of the body's natural healing process. Although uncomfortable, fever is an important way your body signals that something is wrong. It triggers the immune system to get your body better quickly.  Recent studies have found that people who regularly use the infrared cabin or sauna get fewer colds and flu than the average. This improvement is probably achieved through a better working immune system. But clinical studies are not yet 100% certain about this. Still, many wellness experts suggest that consistent infrared sauna use may reduce the frequency of cold and flu episodes by boosting the immune system naturally. This shows that regular infrared sauna use can support the immune system and may lead to fewer viral infections over time.

Increased body temperature through infrared heat

The infrared sauna creates an artificial fever state that helps the body fight off the common cold or flu. When you sit in your sauna with the flu, your skin temperature rises to 40°C and your internal body temperature rises to around 38°C. This process is known as hyperthermia. In fact, using heat for healing and specifically for colds has long been an effective natural remedy for curing colds and flu. You do need to be careful about using the sauna when you already have a fever. In fact, if you have a fever, we recommend temporarily not using the infrared sauna (and normal sauna). This is because your body temperature is already elevated. That's why it's better to wait until your fever has subsided before resuming sauna sessions, to avoid putting additional stress on your system. This temporary increase in body temperature also activates sweat glands, which supports detoxification and may offer temporary relief from symptoms like congestion and body aches. Understanding how to correctly operate your infrared sauna ensures a safe and effective experience, especially when you're feeling under the weather.

Increased heart rate and circulation

Being in an infrared sauna during a cold increases blood flow. Heat opens blood vessels so that more blood can be transported easily. This easier transport of blood means the immune cells that are also carried in your blood can reach the infection faster and help you fight off the cold or flu faster. Increased circulation also means more oxygen is delivered to your brain, which may help reduce fatigue and support energy recovery. So not only are you getting a moment of relaxation, you're also giving your immune cells a helpful boost right when your body needs it most. Thanks to increased blood circulation, your respiratory system may benefit too, as open airways help loosen mucus and ease breathing.

What researchers discovered about infrared heat

Hyperthermia stimulates the immune system. In one study, researchers found that a type of immune cell called the CD8 cytotoxic T-cell increases when heat is introduced. CD8 T cells specifically fight viral infections. We have already mentioned that colds and flu are caused by viruses. And so what you are doing by exposing yourself to a hot sauna when you have a cold or flu is that you are in fact practically stimulating your immune system to fight for you. How great is that?

During colds and flu, it is common to feel tired and drained. Therapy in an infrared sauna while you have a cold or flu helps you relax and get your energy back. The improved blood flow also means, more oxygen is delivered to your brain. More oxygen to your brain will reduce the feeling of exhaustion.

Heat from the sauna will also help reduce muscle tension associated with flu.

There is research showing that symptoms of colds and flu are dramatically reduced when long-wave infrared therapy (IR-C) is used in the early stages of the common cold. This means using your infrared sauna when you notice that you are getting a bit of a cold. As a result, there is a good chance it will not progress and you will not suffer any further. Should symptoms persist, it is better to consult your own doctor for medical advice.

For chronic concerns like rheumatic diseases or Lyme disease, infrared sauna therapy is also being explored as a natural adjunct.

This is confirmed by several other studies. A study (‘Regular Sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds') by Ernst E., Pecho E., Wirz P. and Saradeth T. tested the hypothesis that using the (infrared) sauna can have a positive effect on colds. 50 volunteers were studied over a 6-month period for the incidence of flu and colds. Half visited the sauna regularly, while the other half did not. In the group that used the sauna, a lot fewer people were found to suffer from colds. The difference was particularly striking in the last 3 months of the study. Some people also experience faster recovery when combining infrared sauna use with other healthy habits like drinking plenty of water, taking daily multivitamins, and simply relaxing.

Strengthening the immune system through regular infrared sauna use

Infrared heat causes our body temperature to rise, and a kind of fever is generated in our body. Not good you might think, but the opposite is true. This slight increase in temperature causes our body to produce white blood cells to reverse that fever. So this causes us to ‘train' our bodies to respond to incoming viruses or bacteria. Then, when such a foreign substance comes in, our body can react to it much faster. Especially at the first signs of a cold, we can quickly ‘boost' our immune system to shorten the lifespan of viruses. Thus, the immune system is strengthened, and we will get sick less. Using a sauna regularly in this way can enhance the immune system's ability to treat illness and prevent future infections. If you're also dealing with skin concerns during illness, infrared saunas may help soothe skin problems, including those aggravated by inflammation or dehydration.

This is what scientific studies say about infrared sauna

This is confirmed in several studies. A study (‘Regular Sauna bathing and the incidence of common colds') by Ernst E., Pecho E., Wirz P. and Saradeth T. tested the hypothesis that infrared sauna use can have a positive effect on colds. 50 volunteers were studied over a 6-month period for the incidence of flu and colds. Half visited the infrared sauna regularly, while the other half did not. In the group that used the sauna, a lot fewer people were found to suffer from colds. The difference was particularly striking in the last three months of the study. The positive effects noted in this research show why many people turn to infrared saunas not only for wellness, but also for preventive treatment during flu season. To make the most of your sessions, it's important to know the ideal temperature settings for infrared saunas, especially when using it during illness.

Regular relaxation is important

Besides strengthening our immune system, an infrared cabin also simply works to relax. Just relaxing for half an hour in the cabin also gives you a break from everyday stress. Reducing stress obviously also works positively on our body and immune system. It is less stressed and so illnesses are less likely to develop. Only benefits, then. Worldwide, several doctors already use infrared cabins to cure colds quickly. It is a treatment that originated in Germany, and has since been used in several countries. The infrared sauna is a blessing for our health. Besides all the positive effects on muscles, joints, skin problems, and so on, it also has a beneficial effect on our immune system and thus our resistance. For anyone looking to reduce inflammation, relax deeply, and support their respiratory system, regular infrared sauna use is a natural ally. Those with recurring migraines may also be interested in this approach—infrared sauna therapy for migraine relief is gaining popularity for its calming effects.

But there are also other benefits of the infrared cabin

Besides strengthening our immune system, an infrared cabin also simply works to relax. Just relaxing for half an hour in the cabin also allows you to get away from everyday stress. Reducing stress obviously also works positively on our body and immune system. It becomes less stressed and so illnesses are less likely to develop. But the infrared cabin can also have a positive effect for rheumatic diseases and muscle and joint pains. Learn more about the benefits of infrared cabins.

Then click on the banner of our blog on infrared saunas. regularly the sauna, the other half did not. In the group that used the sauna, a lot fewer people were found to suffer from colds. The difference was particularly striking in the last 3 months of the study. Even wellness experts agree: using a sauna is not just beneficial, it may also provide temporary relief from cold symptoms like nasal congestion, fatigue, and mild aches.

Additional questions answered (FAQs)

Can I use an infrared sauna when sick with flu?

Yes, but with caution. Using an infrared sauna when sick with flu can offer temporary relief by promoting sweating, opening the nasal passages, and easing muscle pain. However, if you already have a fever, wait until it subsides to avoid additional stress on your system.

What if I have a scratchy throat or common cold symptoms?

In the early stages of illness, like a scratchy throat or common cold symptoms, the infrared sauna may help reduce recovery time and stimulate immune cells to fight off the infection more effectively.

Does sauna air help with symptoms?

The warm, dry sauna air promotes loosen mucus and soothes irritated airways. In some cases, adding a source of humid air or moist air (like a towel dipped in hot water) can help reduce dryness in the throat and provide a more comfortable breathing environment.

Are there any health concerns to keep in mind?

For those with cardiovascular issues or other health concerns, always consult your doctor before using infrared heat therapy.

Sources

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https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/what-is-heart-failure/classes-of-heart-failure
https://www.ucsfhealth.org/conditions/heart_failure/treatment.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5873965/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19602651
https://www.healthline.com/health/vasodilation#causes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4961993/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373148