Cigars and the Common Cold

Know what sucks about winter? It’s not the cold weather, shoveling, driving in the snow, growing a beard, or wearing flannel. In fact, in many ways, I rather enjoy these manly pursuits.

No, what REALLY creases me is getting sick.

Folks huddle inside during cold weather, thereby increasing the transmission any number of bacterial and/or viral infections. For me, this risk is compounded by my two little Petri dishes, aged 3-years and 9-months, who are currently in daycare. (Aside: I swear we go through a sleeve of tissues every other week.)

My usually-impenetrable immune system recently collapsed under all that pressure, causing me to suffer a cold, sinus infection, and upper respiratory infection back-to-back. During this 2 1/2 week period, I didn’t smoke a single cigar.

It really wasn’t difficult – in that condition, a cigar was the last thing on my mind. But I know some guys who will smoke right through being sick.

I’m no doctor, but I’m going to make an educated guess that smoking cigars while sick is not the best idea. You can’t taste or smell the cigar anyway, so where’s the enjoyment? I would sooner stick to Neti Pot, steamy showers, Hot Toddies and plenty of fluids and rest, and save my cigars for when I’ll actually enjoy them.

For that matter, I recommend that all cigar smokers check out Neti Pot. Smoking cigars can dry out and irritate your sinuses. I’ve found that this simple method of sinus irrigation provides immense relief, especially in winter.

Do you take a cigar hiatus when you’re sick? Why or why not? Let us know in the comments below.