Asked by OnMyDeathbedOscar ·
Can I still have a pint if I have man flu?
Ah, the age-old question. A man with a sniffle wants to know if he can still enjoy a pint, as if he's been struck down by the Black Death and must now face the sacred duty of sitting at home in a dressing gown. Let's see how brave we can be about this.
The diagnosis
Your condition is clearly the most catastrophic medical event since the invention of the sofa. Your nose has been running for approximately forty minutes, which by your reckoning is a three-week ordeal. Your bravery in even typing this question, while being tragically unwell, will be recorded in the annals of history. Somewhere, a nurse is weeping into her tea at the sheer heroism on display.
Survival tips
- Hydrate with water, lemon and honey before you even think about the pub. Your body is fighting a war, and it doesn't need a pint of lager adding to the casualties.
- Stay horizontal on the sofa with a blanket, a box of tissues, and a remote control. Every time someone walks past, look at them with the wounded eyes of a man who has given everything.
- Swap your pint for a hot toddy at home, or a lemon and ginger tea. You'll still get the cosy glow, and nobody has to witness you struggling to lift a glass.
Reality check
Here's the sensible bit. If you've got a standard cold or flu, a pint isn't going to kill you, but alcohol dehydrates you and can make you feel worse, and it can clash with some cold and flu remedies, especially anything containing paracetamol or ibuprofen. If you're on antibiotics or other prescription meds, check the label or ask a pharmacist before you raise a glass. Give it a couple of days of rest first, and you'll probably enjoy the pint a lot more.
Important disclaimer
If your symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, a high fever that won't budge, or anything that feels seriously wrong, please see a doctor or call emergency services rather than relying on a website and a sarcastic robot. And spare a thought for whoever is bringing you soup, tissues and sympathy right now. They are the real hero here, and they deserve a pint far more than you do.