In red blood cells. Iron binds to oxygen. That's how we breathe. We efficiently obtained it from red meat.

But doctors advise against consuming meat when you have a runny nose. During a respiratory infection, iron is retained by the cells in the intestines. As a protective measure.

We also check the liver and spleen. This is where cells of the immune system, called macrophages, retain iron from food. Why does the body take so many precautions?

Prof. Dr. Veronica Lazăr, immunology professor: "It is recommended to interrupt iron intake during infection to prevent it from becoming available to pathogenic bacteria. The recommendation would be not to consume iron-rich foods".

Iron from food is valuable not only for our red blood cells. All bacteria that can cause infections literally compete with the human body for iron. During an infection, if we eat meat products, we practically share it with bacteria - from our own plate.

You're not hungry during an infection. Don't eat! Follow what your body tells you. Because it's self-protecting.

Prof. Dr. Veronica Lazăr, immunology professor: "Digestion itself consumes energy, and during an infection, the body sends and uses energy for these defense reactions".

These are phagocytes. They are soldiers of the immune system that fight harmful bacteria. They need a lot of energy. That's why it's recommended to eat a little.

Instead, drink plenty of fluids. And oral rehydration solutions if you can't hydrate normally. This means water with minerals.

Prof. Dr. Coriolan Ulmeanu, Grigore Alexandrescu Hospital: "In conditions of water and electrolyte depletion, the child should not receive just water, but water with electrolytes. That is, those oral rehydration salts available on the market. One sachet in 200 ml of plain water".

Rehydration solutions also contain glucose. This effectively reduces any feelings of hunger.