Remedies involving alcohol, such as a hot toddy, have been passed down as folk treatments for the common cold. The idea that liquor can “kill the germs” or offer soothing relief persists in popular culture. This prompts many to wonder whether consuming alcohol during an illness is genuinely helpful or if it simply masks the discomfort. To understand the effect of alcohol on the body, it is important to look beyond tradition and examine the scientific evidence.
Addressing the Myth: Does Alcohol Actually Fight a Cold?
The common cold is caused by a viral infection, primarily the Rhinovirus, and alcohol consumed internally cannot eliminate the pathogen. While high-proof alcohol is an effective disinfectant on surfaces, the concentration required to kill a virus within the body would be toxic to human cells. The liver processes ethanol, meaning alcohol does not circulate at an antiviral strength capable of neutralizing the infection.
The body’s innate and adaptive immune systems are the only mechanisms that can successfully fight and clear the cold virus. Introducing alcohol does nothing to accelerate this process; in fact, it can interfere with the body’s natural defensive responses.
How Alcohol Affects Cold Symptoms (Temporary Relief)
Despite the lack of curative properties, alcohol can create a temporary sensation of relief, which is why the tradition endures. One mechanism is vasodilation, where alcohol causes blood vessels near the skin’s surface to widen. This increases blood flow to the skin, producing a feeling of warmth that can feel comforting when one is chilled.
Vasodilation may also provide a slight, momentary easing of nasal congestion. However, this effect is superficial and does not address the underlying inflammation or mucus production. Alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant, which leads to sedation and reduced awareness of pain. This masking effect promotes rest and temporarily dulls the aches and discomfort associated with a cold. The warm liquid components often mixed with alcohol, like honey and steam, are the elements that soothe a sore throat and loosen mucus, not the ethanol itself.
Safety and Health Risks of Drinking While Sick
Dehydration
One immediate negative consequence of drinking alcohol while sick is dehydration. Alcohol acts as a diuretic by suppressing the release of the antidiuretic hormone (ADH). This signals the kidneys to excrete more fluid than usual, leading to increased urination and rapid fluid loss.
When the body is fighting a cold, it needs increased hydration to thin mucus and flush out toxins. Dehydration caused by alcohol can thicken mucus, making congestion worse, and exacerbate cold symptoms like headaches and fatigue. This fluid imbalance hinders the recovery process.
Immune Suppression
Alcohol consumption can temporarily impair the function of the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off the infection. Even a single episode of heavy drinking can suppress immune responses for up to 24 hours. This acute suppression affects the function of white blood cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, which are crucial for attacking and engulfing pathogens.
Hindering these immune cell functions makes the body more vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections or can prolong the duration of the cold. The body is already stressed by the viral load, and adding alcohol diverts resources away from the defense mechanisms needed for recovery.
Drug Interactions
Combining alcohol with common over-the-counter (OTC) cold and flu medications poses serious health risks. Many cold remedies contain acetaminophen, a compound processed by the liver. Alcohol is also metabolized by the liver, and combining the two can overwhelm the organ, greatly increasing the risk of severe liver damage or liver failure.
Cold medications often include sedating antihistamines to help with nighttime symptoms. Since alcohol is also a central nervous system depressant, combining it with these drugs dangerously magnifies side effects. These include extreme drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired motor coordination. This combined sedative effect can make operating machinery or driving hazardous and increases the risk of accidental overdose.