You may have heard that it's beneficial to “sweat out a cold.” While exposure to heated air or exercise may help temporarily relieve symptoms, there's little evidence to suggest that they can help treat a cold.

Can you sweat out a virus?

No, it could actually make you more sick. There is no scientific evidence to suggest that you can sweat out a cold and, in fact, it may even prolong your illness. Here's what you need to know about why sweating won't help once you're sick and how you can prevent illness in the future.

Can sweating cure a cold?

While you may think you can sweat out a cold, Liu advises against it. If anything, the opposite is true. “Sweating does not help get rid of a cold,” she says. “Rest and staying hydrated by drinking liquids are important in helping you get better.”