Can you drink alcohol when you have a cold and a headache?

Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
Updated on February 06, 2025
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When suffering from a cold and headache, it is not advisable to drink alcohol, as it can exacerbate the symptoms of the cold and possibly worsen the headache. This is because alcohol can stimulate the blood vessels, causing the brain's blood vessels to dilate and intensify the headache. Therefore, it is best to avoid alcohol during a cold. Additionally, during a cold, you might take some anti-cold medications, some of which may contain anti-inflammatory components, making it even more important not to drink alcohol if you have a headache. When experiencing a cold with headache, it is important to rest and avoid overexertion. If the headache is particularly severe, pain relief medication such as Yuanhu pain relief tablets or aspirin may be taken. Remember to keep warm, avoid getting chilled, drink plenty of water to facilitate excretion, and lying down to rest can help alleviate symptoms. (Please follow doctor's instructions regarding specific medication use.)

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