Should You Do Cold Plunge When Sick? An Expert’s Advice on Immune Health

By George From Sweat N Chill Zone •  Updated: 02/07/24 •  12 min read


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Should you do a cold plunge when sick? is a commonly asked question, especially by wellness enthusiasts. In this discussion, we’ll delve into the science behind the practice and how it affects your body while unwell.

Cold plunging can offer relief from nasal congestion and mild symptoms (Understanding the Cold Plunge and its Effects on The Body), but caution must be exercised in cases of fever due to potential risks (The Impact of Cold Plunging on Fever and Potential Risks). The immune system also comes into play (Studying the Relationship Between Cold Plunge and the Immune System), with both potential health benefits and drawbacks if you’re sick (Possible Health Benefits and Risks of Cold Plunging When Sick). It’s pivotal to follow safety guidelines for cold plunging while unwell (Guidelines for Practicing Cold Plunge Safely While Unwell).

should you do cold plunge when sick

Understanding the Cold Plunge and Its Effects on The Body

You see, the act of immersing oneself in an cold plunge is not just a test of endurance, but it could also tap into some potential health benefits. Regular cold plunging or ice baths can effectively alleviate nasal congestion, a discomfort commonly experienced during bouts of colds or flu. It’s also important to note that the effects on your body can vary depending on your current health status.

Effect of Cold Plunging on Nasal Congestion and Mild Symptoms

In case you’ve ever wondered about dealing with minor ailments like mild cold or congestion, cold therapy when sick may help provide temporary relief. As you submerge in the soothing chill, a noticeable easing of stuffiness could be felt – an effect that has been attributed to how cold temperature affects our blood vessels.

The Impact of Cold Plunging on Fever and Potential Risks

Cold plunge and illness, especially those involving fever, have a complex relationship. On one hand, it might seem logical – cool down a heated body with some icy water. However, this could potentially activate your body’s natural rewarming effect which could actually leave your core body temperature higher than before.

Studying the Relationship Between Cold Plunge and the Immune System

All things considered, the relationship between immune system and cold plunge is something that calls for attention. Some studies suggest that cold water immersion may stimulate the immune system by increasing white blood cell production. However, this exposure can also lead to sudden increases in heart rate and blood pressure.

Possible Health Benefits and Risks of Cold Plunging When Sick

There are potential health benefits to taking a cold plunge when sick, including relief from nasal congestion and possible boost in immunity. However, there are also risks attached – increased likelihood of hypothermia or cardiovascular events being primary among them.

Guidelines for Practicing Cold Plunge Safely While Unwell

By all means, safety must come first whenever you consider applying any changes to your health regimen. If you’re contemplating whether should you do cold plunge when sick, best practice would be to consult with healthcare professionals before commencing any such activities.

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When considering whether to engage in a cold plunge session when unwell, it’s crucial to factor in the different variables that may affect your experience. As explored on our post, “Is a 10-minute cold plunge too long?”, the duration of your plunge could have significant implications on how your body reacts. Similarly, it’s important to note that the temperature of the water is also a key determinant. More about this can be found on “What temp is too cold for cold plunge?”.

Moreover, if you are anxious about potential risks or adverse effects associated with cold plunging while sick, you might find value in reading through our other post titled “Is too much cold plunge bad?”. It provides essential insights into how overdoing these sessions could impact your health. Furthermore, it’s interesting to discern what happens physiologically when transitioning from extreme heat to intense cold – all explained in our post: “What happens when you go from sauna to cold plunge”.

Last but not least, while some swear by its therapeutic effects; others question whether these practices are appropriate during certain life stages or conditions such as pregnancy or menstruation. For further information regarding this, check out this insightful article titled “Are cold plunges safe during pregnancy?” and “Can you cold plunge while on your period?”.

My Personal Take about Should you do cold plunge when sick

Hey there, it’s me, George, your go-to guy on all things related to saunas and cold plunges.

Have you ever wondered, “should you do a cold plunge when sick“? Now that I think about it, I’ve got some insights that could help demystify the effect of a cold plunge on your immune health.


You see, as an expert who has immersed himself in the heat of saunas and the chill of cold plunges for years, they’re not just wellness trends for me – they’re my passion. The sensation of warmth enveloping you in the sauna and then the rejuvenating shock of cool water from a cold plunge is simply exhilarating – something I believe everyone should experience at least once.

In conclusion, while carefully considering your health status especially when sick, feel inspired by the potential benefits these routines can bring to your life – vitality unbound awaits!


When we’re feeling under the weather, it’s natural to question whether certain wellness practices, such as a cold plunge, will help or hinder our recovery. Therefore, it’s crucial to check out this expert advice before deciding if you should do a cold plunge when sick. Using evidence-based information, this article will guide you in maintaining your immune health effectively.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Should you do cold plunge when sick

Before you go…

Takeaways:

1. Cold plunging can provide relief for mild cold symptoms: If you’re dealing with a mild cold or congestion, taking a cold plunge might actually help alleviate your symptoms. It can provide temporary relief by relieving nasal congestion and stuffiness commonly experienced during colds or flu. So, if you’re feeling under the weather but not too severely, a dip in icy water could be worth considering. 2. Avoid cold plunging if you have a fever: While dipping yourself in cold water may seem like a good idea to cool down your body when you have a fever, it’s best to steer clear of it. Cold plunging could trigger your body’s natural rewarming effect, making your core body temperature even higher than before. So, if you have a fever as part of your illness, it’s best to skip the icy plunge. 3. Weigh the potential benefits against the risks: There are potential health benefits associated with taking a cold plunge while sick, such as temporarily relieving nasal congestion and potentially boosting immunity. However, there are also risks involved, including hypothermia or cardiovascular events. Additionally, inhaling water into your lungs through hyperventilation can be dangerous. It’s important to consider these risks carefully and prioritize your health before opting for extreme practices like frosty immersions. Remember that everyone’s body reacts differently to cold exposure when sick or healthy. So always consult healthcare professionals before starting any new health regimen while unwell to avoid harm and seek their guidance on potential benefits from practices like regular icy dips for wellness support when fully recovered from an illness. Taking care of yourself when sick means focusing on restful practices like drinking warm tea and getting plenty of sleep until you feel better. Once fully recovered from your illness, you can gradually reintroduce colder showers into your routine for a mood boost and potential pain relief. Stay attentive to your body’s signals and prioritize your well-being above all else. Understanding how cold is too cold for a cold water plunge and what happens when you take a cold plunge can greatly help in knowing the best way to cold plunge. Also, it’s crucial to know where to get the best and most affordable cold plunge options.

George From Sweat N Chill Zone

George, the passionate founder of Sweat N Chill Zone, is an ardent advocate for holistic wellness through the healing powers of saunas and cold plunges. With a background in health sciences and a fervent dedication to sharing the benefits of thermal therapy, George curates an informative space, offering insights, tips, and expert advice to help individuals optimize their health and well-being through the transformative effects of heat and cold treatments. Through Sweat N Chill Zone, George aims to inspire and educate, fostering a community centered around rejuvenation and vitality.