Posted by Cold & flu season brings thoughts of dread to many of us. The prospect of being sick for 1-2 weeks doesn’t exactly fill me with the “warm & fuzzies” either. Body aches, stuffiness, congestion, sore throats, and trouble sleeping are a terrible way to spend your hard-earned vacation time.
To add insult to injury, flu & colds are caused by viruses so, antibiotics are ineffective. With so many “alternative” remedies out there, it’s hit and miss when it comes to finding something that actually works. However, did you know that recent research shows that your hot tub may be one of the best tools to help relieve cold & flu symptoms? It’s true! In fact, using a hot tub while you’re sick may even shorten the duration of your cold. Here’s how.
Faking a Fever
Experts say that the “fever” you experience during a cold or flu is one of your body’s natural defense mechanisms to rid your system of the virus. WebMD.com says “Low-grade fever helps the body fight off infection by suppressing the growth of viruses or bacteria and by activating the immune system.” Inducing a slight fever by soaking in a warm bath or hot tub at the first sign of a cold can help your body defeat the nasty virus sooner.
Relieving Aches & Pains
Body aches are a notorious relative of the flu. They hamper restful sleep and can make you feel miserable. While over-the-counter pain relievers work for a short time, many people find that soaking in warm water provides more immediate and longer lasting relief. Warm water works to relax muscles and increase circulation, thereby easing aches. This is especially the case if you have a jetted hot tub or bath, for the added benefit of a massage.
Steam Away Stuffiness
Have you ever wondered why colds and the flu are more common in winter? It’s because viruses thrive in cooler air. The steamy air entering your nasal passages while soaking in warm water helps to shrink swollen mucus membranes and induce drainage, helping you to breathe better. Adding some eucalyptus aromatherapy couldn’t hurt either.
Sleep like a Baby
One of the best things to do when you are sick is sleep. Sleeping does wonders for the body, especially when it comes to fighting an illness. Yet, a good restful sleep can be tough to come-by. Hot tubbing can help. After exiting the warm water your body temperature decreases, causing the feeling of sleepiness. In addition, the relief of warm water soaking on your muscles and stuffy nose helps you to slip into a much needed restful sleep.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking fluids helps to flush your system and keep you hydrated, especially when you’re sick. Hot tea can also help soothe a sore throat. Elevated body temperatures caused by a real fever, or hot tub use, can dehydrate you. Remember to drink lots of water before & after soaking.
Keep in mind that hot tub soaking is only as healthy as the cleanliness of the water in the tub. Testing and balancing your water chemistry is vital for a therapeutic bathing experience.
Hot Tub Blog | SpaDepot.com 
While shopping for a walk-in bathtub or spa for the home, I am confused by the terms air jets, hydrotherapy jets and jacuzzi jets. Can you tell me the difference between them and what benefits each provide?
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Hello Bill, Air Jets may refer to air that comes from a blower, forced air coming into the spa or tub from a blower causing air bubbles and some mild water action, Or it could be a related term used to describe Spa Jets in general. A Hydrotherapy Jet is a jet in the spa or tub that has water forced through it to cause water action. Jacuzzi is a brand name that is often used as a general term to describe a hot tub or spa, as well as Jacuzzi brand tubs and spas. It is more than likely that all three of the terms you are inquiring about are in fact the same thing, with the most common misconception being Air Jets, in that Air Jets are more commonly related to an air blower.
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I have frequently done the faking a fever technique and I do believe it works. I elevate the temp a degree or two above what I normally use and stay in the tub longer. You’ll know you are doing it right because you will feel your body’s reaction to the warmth. I just caution you might feel a little lightheaded when you get out if doing it this way.
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