Can you "sweat out a cold"?

[Anonymous]

My sister has been trying to do this all day, we live in a suburb of Phoenix and our thermostat is set to 80F... is this nuts or is there truth to this?

[Tyrael]

No you can't sweat out a cold. A sauna could help alleviate congestion due to breathing warm air. Another option is to dissolve menthol crystals in a bowl of boiling water, lean your head over it and drape a towel over you then breath in the vapours. Otherwise you just need to wait it out.

[JuanVeIasco]

Yes, fever and heat help the immune system fight the virus that causes colds, because they can only survive at a certain temperature.

[Randy888]

heat will not effect a pathogenic or bacterial infection in the body. so no you can't "Sweat out a cold"

[Deku2009]

No in fact the exercise could cause it to stick around longer or get worse. She needs rest and fluids

[noohair]

If she gets heat stroke, it can cause brain damage.

[SecretsofKB]

Nurse here... no... you cannot sweat out a cold.

[Asker]

So she's crazy? Can I tell her a nurse told me to tell her to stop?

[SecretsofKB]

I would advise against it.

[TheMajesticKing777]

I don't think so