Summer Cold - All You Need to Know

Introduction

It is a common belief that colds occur only during winter. But, common colds can also occur during the hot summer. The surrounding temperature need not be necessarily cold for someone to catch a cold. The causative organisms of summer cold are enteroviruses which cause runny nose, sore throat, and intestinal problems. Enteroviruses are the second most common viruses to cause infection in humans after rhinoviruses.

How Does the Summer Cold Differ From the Winter Cold?

There are no remarkable differences between summer and winter colds since both are caused by viruses that spread from one person to another through droplets of an infected person or if a person touches their nose, eyes, or mouth after touching an infected surface. The difference lies in the way one handles them. Spending more time outdoors during summer can also make one susceptible to catching a viral infection.

How to Differentiate a Summer Cold From Allergies?

It can be confusing to distinguish summer colds from allergies at times. The following are the differences between a summer cold and allergies:

• The common symptoms shared by colds and allergies include a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, and a sore or itchy throat. However, a cold can also be accompanied by coughing, fever, and sweating.

• Common colds can last for one to two weeks while allergies can last for more than two weeks and not go away.

• If the symptoms begin mildly, then worsen, and again become mild or get resolved, then it is a common cold. On the other hand, allergies are persistent and the symptoms tend to remain consistent.

• Each symptom of the common cold manifest separately while all the symptoms of allergies arrive at once.

• With allergies, the symptoms may either improve or get worse when one travels from one particular region to another. Suppose, if a particular region has vast allergens or different pollinating plants, the symptoms of allergies can get aggravated.

• Since common colds are viral infections, the mucus from the nose can be thick and greenish or yellowish while it can be translucent and thin in consistency in case of allergies.

Why Do Summer Colds Occur?

Viruses that cause summer colds are mostly due to non-polio enterovirus. These viruses tend to spread more easily in large, crowded gatherings. This is especially true since many people stay outdoors during summer than in the winter. Other causes are as follows:

• When people stand in queues, they stand close to each other and the same railings can be touched by different people.

• Traveling by aircraft puts one in close contact with others which can increase the chances of acquiring an infection.

• A review conducted in 2015 states that air travel is a major factor that contributes to the rapid transmission of communicable diseases, including outbreaks of major airborne diseases.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) however, states that transmission of infectious diseases is very minimal in an aircraft since the cabin air is carefully monitored, controlled, and recirculated through high-efficiency particulate air filters (HEPA) which can entrap bacteria, fungi, viruses, and dust particles.

• Air conditioning is another cause of summer colds. Viruses tend to dwell in cold, dry air. Air conditioners generally decrease the humidity in the room and make it cool. This becomes a favorable place for viruses to multiply.

What Are the Risk Factors of Summer Colds?

The risk factors are as follows:

• Spending more time outdoors especially in enclosed and crowded public places or in contact with someone suffering from a summer cold.

• Those who have a poor immune system due to lack of sleep, stress, or long-term illnesses.

• Babies and the elderly are more susceptible to acquiring summer colds.

• Lack of good personal hygiene.

What Are the Symptoms of Summer Colds?

The following are the symptoms of summer colds:

• A runny nose.

• Congestion.

• Coughing.

• A sore throat.

• Low energy.

• Headaches.

• Sneezing.

• Muscle aches.

• Feeling tired.

• Pressure in the head or sinuses.

How Can Summer Colds Be Treated?

Summer colds can be treated in the following ways:

• Adequate Rest: One must take adequate rest and sleep well. Excessive activity and stress that could affect the immune system should be avoided. Though it feels good to go out in the summer, one must avoid going outdoors and stay indoors and take ample rest.

• Proper Hydration and Nourishment: It is advisable to drink plenty of fluids particularly water in summer. Dehydrating beverages like coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks should be avoided. Hot tea can be soothing for certain symptoms of a summer cold. Immune-enhancing nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamin C should be taken along with other vitamins and minerals. Lots of boiled vegetables and fruits must be included in the diet.

• Steam Inhalation and Humidifiers: Steam inhalation helps to get rid of nasal congestion. Humidifiers cannot treat colds but can offer relief from a runny nose, sore throat, congestion, and coughing.

• Herbal Remedies: Herbs do not have a direct effect on colds but have an indirect effect by boosting the immune system to fight against infections. Some herbs which can act against rhinoviruses include licorice root, elderberry, basil leaves, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and echinacea. Honey can provide relief from coughing but is strictly contraindicated in babies under one year of age.

• Medications: Few medications that offer relief from the symptoms include over-the-counter pain and fever medications like acetaminophen and Ibuprofen, cough syrup, cough drops, nasal decongestants, chest vapor rubs, taking steamy showers to relieve congestion, and use of humidifiers while sleeping to minimize dry air and provide relief from coughing. Saline nasal sprays and neti pots can also be effective.

Can Summer Colds Be Prevented?

The following are a few ways to prevent summer colds:

• Staying at home and taking sufficient rest if one has symptoms of a summer cold.

• The hands must be washed thoroughly, especially after using the restroom, before eating or touching the face, after coming indoors, and after being in contact with an infected person.

• Employers must grant paid sick leave to their employees to avoid the spread of infection in the workplace. Through this, the spread of infection can be controlled as well as the affected person can take adequate rest to get better.

• Utensils and other personal products should not be shared with others.

• One must cover their nose while sneezing or should cough into a tissue paper or use the inner elbow. Using the hands to cough or sneeze is not advisable since the hands can spread the infection.

• The face, mouth, or nose should not be touched with hands that are not clean.

• Refrain from kissing an infected person.

• Those with weak immune systems should avoid public pools.

• The hands must be washed thoroughly before preparing food.

• Children must be asked to wash their hands after coming indoors, after using the restroom, and before eating.

• The surfaces which are touched by the family members frequently should be disinfected especially if someone at home is sick.

Conclusion

Unlike winter colds, summer colds are not worse. It can be boring and frustrating to stay at home rather than enjoy the warm climate outside. Summer colds resolve within 7 to 10 days. Colds can cause serious complications at times, especially in babies, the elderly, and those with a weakened immune system. One must consult a physician if symptoms persist or if one develops a high fever. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before giving medications to babies and before taking herbal remedies. To put it in a nutshell, summer colds are not dangerous.