The common cold can leave you feeling drained, fatigued, and longing for a speedy recovery. If you're looking for a quick and effective way to bounce back from your run-of-the-mill cold, consider the benefits of intravenous (IV) hydration.
Here’s what you need to know about IV hydration for the common cold, courtesy of Stephen Ficchi, DO, and our team here at Philadelphia Center for Anti-Aging.
IV hydration involves the administration of fluids directly into your bloodstream through a vein. Though commonly used for medical purposes, such as treating dehydration or delivering medications, IV hydration can also provide a rapid and efficient way to replenish lost nutrients, vitamins, and fluids in a wellness setting.
It’s often included in wellness treatment plans for this reason.
IV hydration can help your body get over a cold faster in many ways.
Because IV hydration may contain crystalloid solutions 一 where the molecules are small enough to pass from your blood and into your tissues and cells 一 it can deliver fluids directly to your cells. Hydration at the cellular level is both rapid and leads to improved cellular function. This is crucial for supporting your body's natural defense mechanisms during a cold.
Cold symptoms (especially fevers) often come with dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. IV hydration solutions include a balance of electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and chloride 一 all of which promote a quicker recovery.
IV hydration can include immune-boosting ingredients like vitamin C and zinc, which give your immune system the extra support it needs to combat the cold virus.
IV hydration can help alleviate common cold symptoms like headaches, fatigue, and muscle aches more swiftly than traditional methods.
During a cold, your body may struggle to absorb nutrients efficiently. (You may also not have much of an appetite, so your intake of nutrients may naturally decline.)
IV hydration ensures direct delivery of essential vitamins and minerals and bypasses your digestive system for optimal absorption.
By addressing dehydration and supporting your body with essential nutrients, IV hydration can potentially shorten the duration of your cold and allow you to return to your daily routine sooner.
After a brief consultation with our team to assess your symptoms, medical history, and hydration needs, Dr. Ficchi prepares a customized IV solution for you. It’s prepared based on your specific requirements, including fluids, electrolytes, and additional vitamins or medications if needed.
The fluids are administered via a thin catheter into your vein. Then, it's time to sit back and relax! IV hydration takes anywhere from 20-60 minutes, and you can use the time to rest, read, or catch up on your favorite show.
Many individuals experience a noticeable improvement in energy levels and symptom relief during or immediately after the IV hydration session.
Depending on the severity of your cold, Dr. Ficchi may recommend additional sessions or complementary treatments to maximize the benefits. Your body may also benefit from rest, herbal teas, and nutrient-dense foods such as bone broth, vitamin C-rich citrus fruits, and antioxidant-rich food like blueberries, red onions, and kale.
Help for your common cold is just a call or click away. Schedule your IV hydration session today in our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, location. You can reach us at 215-776-8821 (215-801-3036) or through our online booking form.