Can heat help your body fight sickness? Yes, it can help. Many people ask this. You may ask too: is sauna good when sick? The answer is not so easy. But let’s look closer.
What Is a Sauna?
A sauna is a hot room. The room has dry or wet heat. The heat comes from a heater. Some saunas use wood. Some use rocks. Some use lights. Some use steam. You sit inside. You sweat. You feel warm. That’s it.
How Does a Sauna Work?
Heat goes into your skin. Your body feels warm. Your heart beats fast. Your skin sweats. You feel clean. Your nose may open. Your body may relax. Your stress goes down. That is how it works.
Why Do People Use a Sauna?
People love saunas. They feel calm. They feel warm. They feel clean. Some say it helps pain. Some say it helps skin. Others say it helps sleep. Some go to relax. Some go to heal. Saunas are old. Many use them today.
What Happens When You Are Sick?
Your body fights germs. You may get a cold. You may cough. You may sneeze. You may feel hot. You may feel cold. Your body feels tired. You need rest. You need care. You may wonder—should you go in a sauna?
Should You Use a Sauna When Sick?
This is a big question. The answer is “maybe.” Some say yes. Some say no. Some people feel better. Others feel worse. It depends on your body. It depends on your sickness. Let’s talk about the types.
Types of Sickness and Sauna Use
Common Cold
If you have a cold, sauna may help. The heat opens your nose. It helps you breathe. It helps sweat out germs. Many people say sauna helps a cold. But drink water. Rest after. Do not stay long.
Flu
If you have the flu, sauna may not help. The flu is strong. Your body is weak. Heat may be too much. You may feel dizzy. You may feel tired. Wait until you feel better.
Fever
If you have a fever, sauna is not safe. Your body is already hot. Sauna makes you hotter. You may get sick fast. You may pass out. Do not go in a sauna with a fever.
Sinus Infection
Sauna may help sinuses. Heat opens your nose. You may breathe better. Steam helps more. Try a steam sauna. But not for long.
Cough
Cough may get better. Or it may get worse. Sauna helps if it is dry. But if your chest hurts, skip it. Ask your doctor first.
Benefits of Sauna When Sick
- Sauna opens your nose.
- Sauna helps you breathe.
- Sauna relaxes your body.
- Sauna helps with sleep.
- Sauna may kill germs.
- Sauna helps your mood.
- Sauna warms cold hands and feet.
Risks of Sauna When Sick
- Sauna may make fever worse.
- Sauna may make you tired.
- Sauna may make you dizzy.
- Sauna dries your body.
- Sauna may raise heart rate.
- Sauna may make breathing hard.
Best Sauna for Sickness
The infrared sauna is best when sick. It uses light. It is not too hot. It feels soft. It helps pain. It helps skin. It is great for tired days. A steam sauna is also good. Steam helps nose and chest.
Infrared Sauna vs. Steam Sauna When Sick
Infrared is dry. Steam is wet. Infrared is warm. Steam is hot. For cold, use steam. For pain, use infrared. For rest, both work. Pick what you like. Listen to your body.
How Long to Stay in Sauna When Sick
Do not stay long. Try 10 to 15 minutes. Drink water. Sit down after. Do not rush. Short time is best. More heat is not always good.
When to Avoid Sauna During Illness
Skip sauna if you:
- Have a fever
- Feel weak
- Are dizzy
- Have chest pain
- Can’t breathe well
- Are throwing up
Can Sauna Help You Heal Faster?
Yes, it can help. Heat boosts blood flow. Blood brings cells to heal. Sauna helps rest. Rest helps heal. But sauna is not magic. Use it with care.
Doctors and Sauna: What Do They Say?
Many doctors say sauna is safe. But not for all. They say to rest first. They say drink water. They say stop if you feel bad. Ask your doctor first. That is best.
What to Drink Before and After Sauna
Drink water. Drink tea. Drink juice. Do not drink soda. Do not drink coffee. Do not drink beer. Water is best. Drink a lot.
Can Sauna Make You Feel Worse?
Yes, it can. If you stay too long. If you have a fever. If you do not drink. If you are weak. Sauna is strong. Be careful. Stop if you feel bad.
How to Use Sauna Safely When Sick
- Go for a short time.
- Drink water.
- Sit, do not lie.
- Take breaks.
- Go with a friend.
- Do not go if very sick.
- Rest after.
At-Home Sauna Tips for Sick Days
- Keep heat low.
- Sit on a towel.
- Use clean air.
- Add herbs or oils.
- Open window after.
- Drink warm tea.
- Rest after sauna.
Should Kids Use Sauna When Sick?
Not always. Kids get hot fast. Sauna may be too strong. Talk to a doctor. Use low heat. Stay only a few minutes. Watch them close. Sauna is not for all kids.
Is Sauna Good for COVID Recovery?
Maybe. Some use sauna after COVID. It helps lungs. It helps breath. It helps rest. But not during COVID. Not with fever. Not with chest pain. Use only when strong.
Conclusion
Your body knows best. Sauna can help. Sauna can harm. Go slow. Drink water. Rest well. Ask your doctor. Then decide. Heat can heal. But only when safe.
FAQs
Is sauna good when sick with a cold?
Yes, sauna helps a cold. It opens your nose. It warms your body. It helps you rest.
Can sauna make sickness worse?
Yes, if you have a fever or feel weak, sauna can hurt more than help.
Is steam or dry sauna better when sick?
Steam helps nose and lungs. Dry sauna helps rest and pain. Try both. Pick what helps you more.
How many minutes in sauna when sick?
Start with 10 to 15 minutes. Do not stay long. Short heat is safe heat.
Can sauna help me sleep when sick?
Yes, it helps you relax. Heat calms your body. Sleep comes easy after sauna.
Should I go to sauna with COVID?
No, not during COVID. Wait until you are well. Then use it to heal your lungs.