The flu is a common, highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. Saunas are heated rooms used for relaxation and sweating. Many wonder if using a sauna can be beneficial when experiencing flu symptoms.
The Body’s Response to Sauna Heat
In a sauna, the body undergoes physiological changes in response to elevated temperatures (70° to 100° Celsius or 158° to 212° Fahrenheit). The skin temperature rises to approximately 40° Celsius (104° Fahrenheit), which triggers heavy sweating as the body attempts to cool itself down.
Heat also causes vasodilation, the widening of blood vessels in the skin. Increased blood flow raises heart rate, sometimes to 120-150 beats per minute, similar to moderate exercise. These cardiovascular adjustments are part of the body’s effort to manage the thermal stress.
Sauna Use and Flu Symptoms
The physiological responses to sauna heat may offer some temporary relief for certain flu symptoms. Warm air and humidity can open airways, aiding nasal congestion clearance, similar to steam inhalation. Heat from a sauna may also help soothe muscle aches and stiffness, which are common flu symptoms, by improving blood circulation and relaxing muscle fibers.
While saunas may provide symptomatic relief, these effects are temporary and do not treat the flu virus. Regular sauna use may reduce the risk of respiratory illnesses and improve immune function. However, direct scientific evidence supporting sauna use as a treatment for an active flu infection is limited, and saunas are not a substitute for medical care.
Important Safety Considerations for Illness
Despite potential temporary relief, using a sauna while ill, especially with the flu, carries significant risks. Dehydration is a major concern, as the flu causes fluid loss, and intense sweating in a sauna exacerbates this. Losing excessive fluids can worsen flu symptoms like dry throat, dizziness, and fatigue, and can impede the body’s ability to fight the infection.
Saunas raise the body’s core temperature, which can be dangerous if you already have a fever. An existing fever indicates the body is already struggling to regulate its temperature, and adding more heat can worsen the fever, potentially leading to heat exhaustion and intensifying symptoms such as headaches and dizziness. It is generally advised to avoid saunas if a fever is present.
The increased heart rate and blood flow induced by sauna use, while beneficial for healthy individuals, can place additional strain on the cardiovascular system of someone already weakened by illness. Individuals with underlying heart conditions or those feeling weak and fatigued should exercise extreme caution, as this added stress could overwhelm their system. Consulting a doctor is advised, especially for those with chronic health conditions.
Using communal saunas when contagious also presents a public health risk, as flu viruses spread through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. This can easily transmit the illness to others. If considering a sauna while ill, it is crucial to prioritize rest, hydration, and medical advice. Avoid sauna use if experiencing severe symptoms, a high fever, dizziness, or nausea.