A study published in the American Journal of Public Health examined whether the drinking of alcohol combined with smoking reduced resistance to viral infections. 391 men and women were exposed to one of five possible viruses responsible for infections of the respiratory tract; 26 other persons were given only a saline solution not containing a virus.

The study revealed that smokers run a greater risk of catching a cold, because they are more easily infected and succumb more rapidly. Consumption of alcohol (3 to 4 glasses per day) gave a lower risk of catching a cold. However, this was found to be the case for non-smokers only, with smokers losing that advantage.
(based on a story published at www.beerandheath.com)
Newsletter December 2002 / January 2003