Hot Tubs and Illness: General Benefits

With the cold, snowy Utah winter comes a few common things, and increases in illnesses like the cold, flu and others are great examples. A common question from hot tub owners or those who are considering such a purchase: Can a hot tub actually help with seasonal illness, whether to prevent it or to assist with recovery for someone who gets sick? At Dolphin Pools & Spas, we’re proud to serve as an authorized Bullfrog spa dealer in Salt Lake City and around Utah, offering these top-of-the-line custom spas to clients with varying needs. In this two-part blog series, we’ll start by looking at some of the positive impacts hot tubs can have when sickness is going around, while in part two we’ll look into some basic precautions and considerations to keep in mind.

Never a Cure or Medical Treatment

Before we go any further here, we want to be clear about something up front: While it’s true that hot tubs may show general benefits related to certain illnesses, they should never be considered a cure or medical treatment for any specific condition. Rather, what we’re discussing here are possible preventative measures and assistance with recovery from common illnesses, which is a different matter entirely. None of what you’re about to read is intended as medical advice or should ever replace the recommendations of medical professionals in any way.

Raising Body Temperature

One of the simplest and most basic ways hot tubs can help with illnesses is through raising body temperature. Many common sicknesses, such as the flu or a cold, involve increased temperatures for your body. This is part of your immune system’s natural response to these issues, but it also leads to you feeling miserable while sick. By sitting in a hot tub and allowing your body to raise its temperature, you’re effectively replicating this same process in a controlled environment. This can often lead to temporary relief from symptoms like congestion, headaches or body aches – without actually having to battle the illness for days on end.

Managing Discomfort

Another great benefit that comes with hot tubs is their ability to help manage discomfort. Many illnesses lead to sore throats, coughing or similar issues; others may include body aches or other irritations. In many of these cases, sitting in a hot tub can provide temporary relief from such symptoms.

Respiratory Benefits

In addition, the steam and heat from the hot water can also help with congestion and other respiratory issues that commonly come with winter illnesses. This can make it easier to breathe and reduce discomfort in the chest or throat.

Boosting Immune System

Finally, there is some evidence that hot tubs may help boost your immune system, particularly through increasing white blood cell count. This means that while a hot tub won’t cure any specific illness on its own, it could potentially help your body fight off the infection more efficiently. In part two of our series, we’ll look at some considerations and precautions for those who choose to use hot tubs while sick. For more on this or any of our spa services, speak to the staff at Dolphin Pools & Spas today.