{"id":12367,"date":"2026-10-27T00:47:37","date_gmt":"2026-10-26T23:47:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/de_de\/sauna-bei-erkaeltung\/"},"modified":"2026-10-27T00:47:37","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T23:47:37","slug":"sauna-with-a-cold","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sonnenhof-sonnhalde.de\/en\/sauna-bei-erkaeltung\/","title":{"rendered":"Sauna with a cold: when it helps and when it doesn't"},"content":{"rendered":"

Sauna with a cold \u2013 to many people that sounds like a good plan: sweat it out properly and the cold is gone. This idea is persistent, but it is wrong. The Techniker Krankenkasse (TK) states clearly that a cold cannot be \u201csweated out\u201d. At the same time, regular sauna bathing when you are healthy may possibly help prevent colds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This article explains when the sauna is off limits with a cold, when a short session may be acceptable and what the studies say about prevention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Important note:<\/strong> This article provides general information and does not replace medical advice. If you have a fever, severe symptoms or pre-existing conditions, please ask your doctor.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Relaxation
Photo: Wellnesshotel Sonnenhof & Sonnhalde<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Sauna with a cold: yes or no?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The TK's assessment can be summarised as follows: with an acute cold, the sauna is not recommended. The circulation is put under additional strain, and the immune system is already under pressure. What the body needs instead is rest, recovery and plenty of sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Situation<\/th>Assessment of the Techniker Krankenkasse<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Fever or severe cold<\/td>Sauna sessions are strongly discouraged.<\/td><\/tr>
Acute cold<\/td>Sauna sessions are not recommended.<\/td><\/tr>
Mild cold, you go to the sauna regularly<\/td>A short session can be risked; stop immediately if you feel unwell.<\/td><\/tr>
Mild cold, you rarely go to the sauna<\/td>At the first signs, it is better to refrain.<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Other sources come to the same conclusion. Barmer lists acute infections and fever among the contraindications, and Apotheken Umschau advises people who are acutely ill against sauna bathing in general. A guide on Utopia, citing the IKK, considers a sauna session possible in principle with a slightly scratchy throat, but then recommends skipping the cooling-down between sessions. Whether the sauna speeds up recovery has not been proven.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whatever the severity, pay attention to warning signs. If you feel unwell or dizzy, leave the cabin immediately, even during an Aufguss<\/a> (apotheken.de). You should avoid alcohol in any case, because according to Barmer it increases the risk of a drop in blood pressure, cardiac complications and accidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why you cannot sweat out a cold<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

According to the TK, there is no evidence that sweating drives the infection out of the body. On the contrary: high temperatures can have an unfavourable effect because pathogens can multiply faster. The TK considers the Finnish sauna at 80 to 100 \u00b0C unsuitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consideration for others also plays a part: according to the TK, cold viruses can spread more easily in the sauna. If you have a cold, you are therefore a risk to the other guests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can the sauna prevent colds?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This calls for a closer look, because prevention applies to the healthy state. The TK explains that what matters is not the sweating but the alternation between heat and cooling down. During this, body temperature rises to as much as 39 \u00b0C, circulation is stimulated and the activity of the immune cells is increased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Two scientific studies point in this direction, but should be read with caution:<\/p>\n\n\n\n