If I have the cold or flu were doing a cold plunge help with health?

When considering a cold plunge if you have a cold or flu, Andrew Huberman suggests caution. He notes that fever, which is the body's adaptive response to combat viruses, could be disrupted by cold exposure. Engaging in cold plunges while experiencing a viral infection, like the common cold or flu, might not be advisable, as it could potentially worsen the condition by lowering the body's core temperature and hindering the fever's beneficial effects 1.

While cold exposure can boost adrenaline, dopamine, and lead to increased alertness and well-being, it's generally recommended for enhancing mental and physical health rather than treating active illness 2. If you are already coming down with or have a viral or bacterial infection, strategies like cold exposure might actually be counterproductive 1. Therefore, if you are sick, it's best to consult healthcare professionals before trying such interventions.