Colds and booze

[Panic Button]

I used to drink more than was healthy, but now only have a drink at Xmas and on holiday. I now get much far fewer colds than I used to.

Are these two facts linked? Does boozing lower your resistance to viruses?

[IggyB]

Laboratory evidence indicates that alcohol can directly suppress various immune responses, and clinical studies have found alcohol abuse to be associated with an increased incidence in a number of infectious diseases. Though the link between illness and alcohol consumption is not fully understood as yet.

and from a personal perspective i would suggest that such a link does indeed exist

[Panic Button]

I can hear thousands of you vowing to give up drinking now!

[ChampagneMan]

No.. I too get frequent colds.. Hey, maybe the real culprit/ connection is.
1. Cold drinks/chilled Colas with the Vodkas/Rum.
2. Ice with the scotch.
3. Chilled beer.
You see naturally most alcoholic drinks are drunk chilled. Now, logic would tell me that if I had too many cold beverages, i am bound to get a cold. Why blame the alcohol? Blame the cold accompanying stuff.. Plus, you probably are in an air conditioned environment. Mix that and you sure get a cold..
Trust me, its not the alcohol here that is at fault. Drink chilled water regularly.. You'll have a running nose in 3 days..
Hey, its the festive season.. Don't let these silly theories put you off booze..
To Alcohol!! The cause and the solution to al of mankinds problems!! Cheers!!

[Hippy]

I think you are right in thinking that excessive alcohol harms your immune system. There is another aspect, however, to think about. Less drinking might mean less going to pubs and clubs where you mingle with loads of people at close quarters in a warm moist atmosphere. Just the right condition to spread the cold virus.

When I stopped drinking I had the same thoughts as you, and am sure that I am more healthy. Although I still go to the pub twice or possibly three times a week, I try to keep clear of those who are snivelling, coughing and sneezing. Maybe in past times the booze stopped me from thinking about that, like a lot of other things.