After the IV drip was placed in the crook of my arm, I made myself comfortable with a coffee and a book while the infusion dripped into my vein. As this was my first infusion, I had imagined that a wave of energy would suddenly shoot through my body as soon as it entered my bloodstream. However, that feeling didn’t materialize. In fact, I didn’t feel anything at all during the treatment.
After 20 minutes, the bag was empty, the immune booster cocktail was in my body, and it was time to go. Too bad, as I had just made myself comfortable and was already thinking about which infusion I would treat myself to next time. But as quick as the IV therapy session itself was, I recommend allowing about an hour for the treatment because a detailed medical history is taken beforehand.
So, how did I feel afterwards? Unchanged. I’d hoped to jump up from the chair straight after the infusion with an energy that I’d been missing for a long time. Instead, I didn’t really feel anything at first. I still took it easy for the rest of the day and drank lots of water, and I was told to avoid physical activity in the hours after the infusion.
“Many patients feel much fitter just 30 minutes after an infusion,” Dr. Christian Merkel says. “This is not necessarily due to the active ingredients, but to the fluid intake that goes directly into the blood.”
It wasn’t until the next day that I felt a difference—but more on that soon. First, let’s break down some frequently asked questions.
What is the cost of an immune system booster?
The cost of an immune system booster infusion like the one I did varies, and it’s important to choose a reputable provider or to have it carried out in a medical practice. On average, the cost of an IV infusion is between $100 to $400. The “Immun-Drip” infusion at DripDrip costs around $170.
It can depend on the season as well as your own medical history. “Before the cold season, I would advise several infusions to build up the immune system,” says Dr. Merkel. “Ideally once or twice a week for a total of four to eight infusions.” Ask your doctor what they would advise.
Can the symptoms of a cold really be alleviated with an immune system booster like an IV infusion?
“In the case of an acute, viral cold, the symptoms do not disappear with a 15-minute infusion,” says Dr. Merkel. “But at the first signs of a cold—such as a scratchy throat, feeling unwell, or a headache—the viral load is usually still very low, and it is still possible to ward off the cold with an immune infusion. However, this cannot be guaranteed.”
Are there any risks with an IV infusion?
“As with any medical treatment, there are risks, but these are very low with an immune infusion,” says Dr. Merkel. “The detailed initial consultation [before any treatment] is essential so that we doctors can find out whether there are any liver or kidney diseases, for example. In rare cases, an allergic shock can occur, which is why infusions should be carried out in a doctor’s office. I would also not recommend an immune infusion to patients who regularly take dietary supplements. However, I would recommend the infusion to patients who are currently eating a very unhealthy diet or suffering from stress.”
What does an expert think of the IV therapy trend?
“The infusion trend is only just beginning, and there are still very few reliable studies on the effectiveness of them,” says Dr. Merkel. “I think there will be a lot more infusions in the future, but with a slightly different composition. I’m a proponent of infusions as long as they remain within reasonable limits. For example, if infusions are only used in phases like in the autumn months.” According to the expert, it’s more important to keep the body and immune system fit all year round with a healthy diet, little stress, and plenty of sleep rather than relying on quick-fix methods.
As for my experience, even though I didn’t feel any effect during or immediately after the infusion, I noticed the next day that my cold symptoms had actually disappeared. I didn’t feel full of energy, but the sore throat I was waking up with every morning and the achy limbs were are gone.
My conclusion: An immune system booster infusion could help with mild complaints like mine. However, IV therapy is still relatively expensive—so I would only do it in the future if I had a special event coming up that I didn’t want to be ill at. In the meantime, I plan to strengthen my immune system all year round so that it doesn’t let me down next fall.
A version of this article was previously published on Glamour Germany.
