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23rd Jan 2019

Think you’re getting a cold? A hot toddy can help relieve your symptoms

Olivia Hayes

It’s that time of year.

The time we all hate. The time that drags on for centuries. The time we all put ourselves under pressure to complete some New Years task. And, the time that we all get a sick.

We’re all going around the office coughing and sneezing with tissues in our pockets and Lemsips in our bags. Not ideal.

However, apparently if you have a dose, whiskey can help relieve some of the symptoms.

Dr. William Schaffner, chair of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told ABC News: “It would not have an effect on the virus itself, but its effect on the body can possibly give you some modest symptom relief.

“The alcohol dilates blood vessels a little bit, and that makes it easier for your mucus membranes to deal with the infection.”

I think we can all agree that the best – and most enjoyable – way to administer this is to make a hot toddy which consists of whiskey, hot water, lemon juice and honey. Delightful.

Obviously though, you should only try this method after work – don’t be rocking into the office half pissed from a glass of whiskey.