How to Prevent Summer Cold ?

What is Summer Cold ?

A summer cold is simply a common cold that occurs during the summer months. Just like winter colds, summer cold is caused by viruses called the non-polio enterovirus. Being a contagious illness, summer cold can easily spread from one person to another and cause uncomfortable symptoms. Although summer cold can affect anyone, it is more common among people with a weakened immune system or those suffering from asthma.

Summer cold is different from allergies in the following ways:

• Unlike summer colds, allergies do not cause fever.

• While summer colds get cured within 10 days, allergies can last for weeks together.

• Summer cold can make you feel exhausted and fatigue. However, you may not notice these symptoms when you have an allergy.

• Allergies typically cause headaches, while summer colds cause widespread muscle pain.

• Antihistamines help ease the symptoms of allergies, but they do not work for summer colds.

Causes

Summer colds are caused by a virus called the non-polio enterovirus. The condition spreads when the respiratory secretion of an infected person enters the mucous membrane of a healthy person. The virus can be transmitted due to the following:

• Hugging, touching or shaking hands with the infected person

• Coming in close contact with infected surface. This includes common surfaces, such as keys, doorknobs, utensils, etc. Touching an infected surface and then your nose, mouth, or eyes can spread the infection.

• Inhaling infected droplets present in the air

• Eating food or drinking water contaminated with the non-polio enterovirus

• Spending time in large gatherings or crowded places, such as concerts, festivals and amusement parks

• Having a weak immune system

Symptoms

Summer cold exhibits a range of mild to severe symptoms, such as:

• Fever

• Coughing

• Sneezing

• Runny nose

• Congestion

• Sore throat

• Headaches

• Muscle pain

• Weakness

While the symptoms of summer cold are mild initially, you may witness a flare-up before the viral infection fades off after running its natural course.

How to prevent it?

The following are some simple and effective tips that can help prevent summer cold:

• Maintain good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before eating.

• Do not touch your face or mouth after touching surfaces in public settings and healthcare facilities. Also, keep a hand sanitiser handy.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing food.

• Do not share utensils with anyone.

• Avoid close contact with family members suffering from summer cold. Also, disinfect high-touch surfaces, such as door knobs and bed frames, often.

• Consume healthy foods and exercise regularly to strengthen your immune system.

• Get restful sleep for about 7-9 hours every night.

• Keep your surroundings clean to discourage the growth of harmful microorganisms.

Natural Remedies to Cure Symptoms

If you or a loved one is suffering from summer cold, the following remedies can help ease the symptoms —

1. Increase fluid intake:

Stay hydrated with warm water, soups, herbal teas, and other liquids to loosen out phlegm and prevent congestion. However, you must avoid cold juices completely as they can irritate the throat further.

2. Gargle:

Gargling with salt water can help soothe sore throat. It can also break up the phlegm from the back of your throat and kill the infection-causing virus.

3. Take steam inhalation:

Inhaling or breathing in the steam of heated water can soothe and open up the nasal passages. This remedy can also loosen mucous and help you get rid of it with ease.

4. Rest well:

Make sure you take adequate rest till you feel better. Avoid spending long hours outdoor and stay away from strenuous activities.

5. Opt for herbal remedies:

Although herbs cannot treat cold or kill the infection-causing virus, they can help strengthen your immune system and expedite recovery. Some effective herbs that can help fight summer cold are garlic, liquorice root, turmeric, ginger, chamomile, and holy basil.