Hot drink helps reduce cold, flu symptoms

CARDIFF, Wales, Dec. 11 (UPI) -- A hot drink -- as opposed to a cold drink -- may help reduce the symptoms of common colds and flu, researchers in Wales say.

Researchers at the Cardiff University's Common Cold Centre find a simple hot drink of fruit cordial -- any fruit drink -- can provide immediate and sustained relief from symptoms of runny nose, cough, sneezing, sore throat, chilliness and tiredness.

The study, published in the clinical journal Rhinology, compared the effects of a commercially produced cordial apple and blackcurrant drink, either "hot" or at room temperature, in 30 volunteers with common cold symptoms.

Ron Eccles, director of the Common Cold Centre, suggests those suffering from colds or flu to have a hot drink to help reduce their symptoms.

"It is surprising that this is the first scientific research on the benefit of a hot drink for treating cold and flu symptoms," Eccles said. "With temperatures falling and Christmas just round the corner, cold viruses love this time of year. Having a bottle of fruit cordial in the cupboard and making a hot drink could help fight off the symptoms of festive cold and flu."

The big advantage of this type of treatment is that it is cheap as well as safe and effective, Eccles says.