You've probably been told that taking cold showers is bad for the flu. drink cachaça to cure it Find out now if cold baths cause the flu and in which situations they are recommended.

Read more: Reasons to get the flu vaccine, according to experts

After all, does a cold shower cause flu?

The statement that taking cold showers is bad for the flu is yet another myth about the disease. It is worth remembering that the flu is caused by a virus, which means that a person only gets sick if they come into contact with it, which does not happen when taking a cold shower.

After all, there is no scientific proof that cold baths are bad for the flu, nor is there anything to indicate that they are beneficial. However, although cold baths do not worsen the flu, they can cause discomfort for the sick person.

The cold can, for example, paralyze the nasal cilia - whose function is to clean the air we breathe - and thus increase nasal secretion. With drier and more congested or even inflamed airways, the body is less protected from opportunistic viruses and bacteria, which can leave the way open for the development of ainfection.

This is because the steam helps to reduce nasal obstruction, popularly known as stuffy nose, because the warm moist air, when inhaled, helps to open the nasal cavities and unclog the nose, which is one of the most common symptoms of the flu.

Recommendation in cases of high fever

In some cases, a cold shower can even be a partner in the fight against the flu, for example, people with a very high fever that does not go away even after taking an antipyretic. In these cases, a cold shower helps to reduce the body temperature.

This is because when cold water comes into contact with the body, it "steals" heat from the body, so if a person with a low fever uses this measure hastily, it can end up "masking" a higher fever that would be coming, and preventing immediate treatment.

However, it is worth noting that in cases of high fever, that is, exceeding 37.8 degrees, it is recommended to take an antipyretic. A cold bath is indicated when the fever exceeds 38 degrees. Thus, the bath prevents the fever from getting too high and causing significant discomfort to the patient.

Is taking a hot bath and going out in the cold bad for the flu?

This is another myth about the flu. As with the cold shower, this "thermal shock" does not cause or worsen the flu. Again, the only cause of the flu is the Influenza virus. Besides, just the fact of taking a hot shower and going out in the cold does not worsen the symptoms. chills but with no lasting consequences.

See also: Schedule your flu vaccine here