Can you drink alcohol if you have a cold?

Written by Li Jian Wu

Pulmonology

Updated on February 07, 2025

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It is not recommended to drink alcohol during a cold.

This is because alcohol can suppress the central nervous system and affect the absorption of medications, especially cephalosporin drugs. One must not drink alcohol as it can pose a life-threatening risk. Whether it is beer, Western liquor, or strong spirits, none should be consumed.

Since a cold itself can cause symptoms of fatigue and weakness, adding alcohol can potentially worsen these symptoms. Additionally, consuming alcohol while on cold medications is not advised, as it can lead to poor mental focus, and alcohol can exacerbate the symptoms of a cold.

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