Is it safe to use an Infrared Sauna when Sick? The short answer is: it depends entirely on your particular symptoms.
Generally, using an Infrared Sauna when Sick with a common cold can be helpful in relieving congestion and soothing aching muscles, but it is generally unsafe to use an infrared sauna when sick with a fever or the flu, as the external heat can dangerously elevate your core body temperature.
While many people are looking for “infrared sauna near me” in the hopes of sweating out a virus, it’s important to understand the effect of heat therapy on the physiological immune system to keep you safe.
Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Using an infrared sauna when sick carries risks, particularly for individuals with fevers, heart conditions, pregnant, or severe respiratory issues. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using an infrared sauna or attempting any heat therapy during illness to ensure it is safe for your specific health condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking treatment because of content read here.
Key Takeaways
- Listen to your body: If you have a fever or are feeling weak, do not go in the sauna.
- Hydration is non-negotiable: You need to consume additional water before, during and after your session.
- Symptom matters: It’s often a good thing for “head cold” but terrible for systemic flu symptoms.
- Lower the temp: If you are going to go, try to keep the temperature lower than your usual intense session.
| Condition | Verdict | Primary Risk/Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Common Cold (No Fever) | Generally Safe | Relieves congestion and muscle aches. |
| Flu (Body Aches/Feverish) | Avoid | Risk of dehydration and hyperthermia. |
| Fever (Any temperature) | Dangerous | Increases body heat to unsafe levels. |
| Stomach Bug | Avoid | Risk of dehydration and fainting. |
The Science: How Infrared Heat Affects the Body
When you google infrared sauna benefits, you’ll learn that unlike traditional saunas and their method of heating the air surrounding you, infrared saunas use light waves to heat your body directly. This is a game-changer when you’re using infrared sauna when sick.
By penetrating deep into the muscle tissue, the far infrared sauna when sick experience promotes “hyperthermia,” a controlled increase of body temperature. This process can:
- Increase the production of white blood cells.
- Improve blood circulation to eliminate toxins
- Dilute mucus in sinuses and lungs.
What Happens to Your Body in the Infrared Sauna?
Unlike traditional saunas, far infrared sauna when sick exposes your body to infrared light that gently heats you from within instead of heating up the air around you intensely.
Physiological Effects:
| Effect | What Happens | Why It Matters When Sick |
|---|---|---|
| Increased heart rate | Similar to light cardio | Can strain the body if you’re already weak |
| Sweating | Promotes fluid loss | Risk of dehydration |
| Vasodilation | Blood vessels widen | May temporarily ease muscle aches |
| Relaxation response | Reduced stress hormones | Supports immune balance |
Infrared sauna benefits include better circulation and muscle relief in addition to relaxing the muscle. But when you are sick, your body is already under stress – so adding heat should be done with care.
Infrared Sauna When Sick with Cold: A Possible Relief
If your symptoms are limited to the “head” – a runny nose, sneezing or mild congestion – using an infrared sauna during sickness with colds could possibly provide relief.
Why it works:
- Airway Dilation: The heat causes the blood vessels and airways to dilate which may make it easier to breathe.
- Muscle Relaxation: Even though you have a cold, you may feel achy. Infrared heat is able to penetrate deep into the muscle to relax tension.
- Mental Boost: The warm, quiet environment can simply help you relax, that is vital for recovery.
Many users on forums talking about infrared sauna when sick Reddit threads talk about since a mild session helps “clear their head.” However, the consensus is that a session should be kept short and the temperature moderate.
Danger Zone Infrared Sauna – When Sick with Flu
This is where we have to draw the hard line. If you are wondering, if you are sick with the flu should you use infrared sauna the answer is almost always no.
The flu (influenza) is a systemic disease. It usually accompanies high fevers, chills and severe body pains. Using an infrared sauna, when sick with a flu, adds external heat to an already internally heating body to fight the virus.
The Risks:
- Hyperthermia: Your body temperature may rise to dangerous levels causing heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
- Dehydration: Flu is known to make one sweat and lose fluids. A sauna does this much faster and you will be dehydrated and your recovery will take longer.
- Cardiac Strain: Your heart does more work when you are sick and also when you are in a sauna. Putting the two places undue stress on your cardiovascular system.
If you’re looking for infrared sauna when sick with flu reddit experiences you will get mixed evidence of anecdotes but medical professionals do not recommend any. Is it good to use infrared sauna if you are sick with a fever? Absolutely not.
Is Sauna Good for Cold and Cough?
A particular symptom that many people attempt to treat is a continuous cough. The one question that arises is, is sauna good for a cold and cough specifically?
It can be because of the humidity and heat. Even though infrared saunas are “dry” heat, the air is warm and your body generates sweat which generates localized humidity. This can have a similar effect to a steam inhalation in the loosening of phlegm.
However, if your cough is chesty, deep or is accompanied by breathing difficulties, avoid the sauna. If you are asking can i use infrared sauna when sick with a chest infection, then ask a doctor before. The heat may irritate the already inflamed lung tissues.
Benefits of Infrared Sauna When Sick (And When You Aren’t)
In order to see why people are risking it, we have to examine the general benefits of infrared sauna if you are sick or even healthy.
- Circulation Boost: Infrared light is known to boost blood circulation, which helps to increase the rate of oxygen and nutrient delivery to damaged or infected tissues.
- Detoxification: Although we have overused the term “detox,” it is true that sweating does rid the body of heavy metals and certain toxins, taking the overall toxic load off the body.
- White Blood Cell Production: Some studies have suggested that the artificial fever that saunas cause can stimulate the production of white blood cells, which can boost the immune system.
This is why people visit far infrared sauna when sick for preventative purposes. Regular use can potentially prime the immune system, making you less likely to get sick in the first place.
What Real People Say The Reddit Perspective
When analyzing threads on infrared sauna when sick Reddit, there is a pattern:
- The “Feel Better” Group: Users with mild symptoms (scratchy throat, stuffy nose) often experience immediate and temporary relief from congestion.
- The “Get Worse” Group: Users that ignored a low-grade fever or went in dehydrated often reported feeling weaker, dizzy or sicker the following day.
The lesson learned from these community discussions is consistent with medical advice: Is it okay to use infrared sauna when sick? Yes, if you have no fever and stay strictly hydrated.
Safety Protocol: How to Use infra-red Sauna if you are sick
If you have decided your symptoms are mild (neck up only), and you have decided to go ahead, follow the following strict protocol:
- Hydrate Aggressively: Drink at least 16-24oz of water before entering. Electrolytes are recommended in high doses.
- Below the Temperature: If your normal temperature is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, try to lower it to 115-120 degrees Fahrenheit. You do not need to stress the body with intense heat.
- Shorten the Duration: Keep your session short (15-20 minutes). Don’t stay in until you are exhausted.
- Listen to the “Stop” Signals: If you feel dizzy, nauseous or your heart rate spikes excessively, get out immediately.
- Cool Down Slowly: Avoid an ice-cold plunge afterwards. Let your body temperature normalize slowly.
Finding a Spot: “Infrared Sauna Near Me”
If you aren’t the owner of any unit, then you may be looking for infrared sauna near me in order to search for a local spa or gym. If you are ill consider the courtesy of others:
- Contagion: If you are contagious a public spa is a bad idea. You risk infecting others.
- Hygiene: Make sure the facility is hyper-vigilant on the cleaning aspect.
- Privacy: Some like to have a private suite if they are feeling under the weather to get some social relaxation.
Can a Sauna Kill the Flu Virus? The Science
Let’s answer the scientific question in question: Will a sauna kill the flu virus inside the human body?
The answer is largely no. While the influenza virus is sensitive to heat (killed at temperatures above 167degF or 75degC), your body cannot get to those internal temperatures safely. If your core body temp reaches 107 degrees F, you are in a fatal situation of brain damage.
The misconception stems from the fact that the purpose of a fever is to make the environment less hospitable to the virus. An infrared sauna triggers a fever, but it does not “cook” the virus to death. It only aids in the immune response (when used properly) or interferes with it (when used during a high fever).
Summary: Should You Do Infrared Sauna When You Are Sick?
Let’s conclude the verdict for using infrared sauna when sick:
- Can I use infrared sauna when I am sick with a cold? Yes, generally safe and beneficial for congestion.
- Can I use infrared sauna when I am sick with flu? No. The risk for dehydration and overheating is too high.
- Is Good to infrared Sauna when Sick with Fever? Never.
- What about a far infrared sauna when you are sick? The same rules apply. Far infrared is more penetrating and can feel soothing on aches, but is more hazardous if you are running a fever.
The best infrared sauna when sick with flu is no sauna at all – rest and fluids are better. But for a nagging winter cold, a gentle session may be just the ticket to clear your sinuses and relax your body.
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FAQs
Should you infrared sauna sick with a stomach bug?
No. Stomach bugs result in severe dehydration. Using infrared sauna when sick with a stomach virus will make the dehydration worse and may cause fainting.
Is it okay to take medication and use infrared sauna if I am sick?
It depends. Decongestants can increase heart rate – using them with a sauna can be dangerous. Always check the side effects of your medication in regards to heat exposure.
How often can I use an infrared sauna if I have a cold?
If you are using it for a cold, limit it to one short session per day. Your body requires energy to heal, and when you are overexposed to heat, your body may be depleted of energy.
Can infrared sauna help with cold instantly?
It can have an instant relief of symptoms such as congestion and stiffness but it is not an instant cure. You will still need time to recover from the virus.
Is infrared sauna better than the traditional sauna if sick?
Infrared sauna benefits include the fact they have lower ambient temperatures than traditional saunas. This makes the heat more tolerable for one who is feeling under the weather, since it doesn’t feel as suffocating as a traditional steam sauna might.
Final Thoughts
Using an infrared sauna when sick can help in some situations – but only if your symptoms are mild. If you have a simple cold without fever, then a short and low temperature session might give you temporary relief from congestion and muscle tension.
But if you’re suffering from the flu, fever, dehydration, or severe fatigue, it’s best to avoid sauna use. Despite what you may hear in infrared sauna when sick reddits about, you can’t kill the flu virus or cure anything in a sauna.
When in doubt, rest, hydration and recovery. Your body heals best when you give it time and some support – not extra stress.
