Most of us have had a cold at some point. Even though we’re used to getting colds in the winter, they can also happen in the summer.

Even though most people get colds in the winter, they can happen at any time of year, even in the summer. This article will talk about summer colds, including their symptoms, what causes them, and how to treat them.

Symptoms of a summer cold:

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A summer cold has the same symptoms as a winter cold: a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a sore throat, a cough, tiredness, a headache, and body aches.

But a summer cold can also cause things like runny eyes, a mild fever, loss of appetite, and feeling sick. Viruses like rhinovirus, enterovirus, and coronavirus are to blame for these symptoms.

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You can get a cold from someone who has a virus in their poop, so it’s important to practise good hygiene, especially in the summer.

Causes of the summer cold

The same viruses that cause winter colds also cause summer colds.

The only thing that is different is that these viruses are more common in the summer. This is because people spend more time outside, where they are more likely to be exposed to viruses. The air conditioning in your home or office can also give you a cold in the summer.

When you spend a lot of time in a cold, air-conditioned room, your nasal passages can dry out. This makes it easier for viruses to get into your body.

Preventing Summer Cold

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Good hygiene is the best way to avoid getting sick in the summer. This involves regularly washing your hands, especially after being in public places, and avoiding close contact with sick people. It’s also important to stay hydrated during the summer. This can help keep your nasal passages moist, making it harder for viruses to get into you. Lastly, make sure to get a lot of rest and eat a healthy diet. A healthy body can fight off infections, like summer colds, better.

How to Treat a Summer Cold Naturally

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There are a lot of natural ways to treat summer colds that can help relieve symptoms and strengthen the immune system.

Here are some of the best natural treatments that work:

• Honey: Honey is a great natural way to treat a sore throat and stop coughing. Honey can be eaten by itself or mixed with tea.
• Ginger: Ginger has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties that can help make coughs and sore throats feel better. It can be mixed with honey or drunk as tea.
• Garlic: Garlic has antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections that cause colds and coughs. You can eat it raw or cook it.
• Chicken Soup: Chicken soup can help relieve cold and cough symptoms because it has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an antioxidant that can help boost the immune system and fight off infections. It is found in citrus fruits, berries, and supplements.
• Eucalyptus Oil: Eucalyptus oil has decongestant properties that can help relieve coughs and open the airways. It can be put in hot water and breathed in.
• Gargle with salt water: Gargling with salt water can help reduce inflammation and soothe the throat.
• Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that can help relieve cough and throat irritation. You can put it in tea or mix it with milk.
• Probiotics: Probiotics are good bacteria that can help boost your immune system and fight off infections. You can find them in yoghurt, kefir, and vitamins.
• Steam Inhalation: Breathing in steam can help relieve congestion and loosen mucus, making it easier to breathe. Essential oils like eucalyptus or peppermint can be added to the steam to help even more.

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It’s important to remember that natural remedies can help ease the symptoms of a summer cold, but they shouldn’t be used instead of medical care or advice from a doctor. If your symptoms don’t go away or get worse, you should see a doctor.

Medical Treatments for a Summer Cold

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Over-the-counter decongestants, antihistamines, and painkillers can help manage summer cold symptoms. These medicines can help clear up stuffy noses, lower fevers, and ease pain and other symptoms. Overuse or misuse of these medications can cause unwanted effects, so read warnings and follow dosages.

Antiviral medicines may be given by a doctor to treat a summer cold in some cases. These medicines can shorten the length of the illness and make its symptoms less severe. However, they are normally only suggested for patients who are at a high risk of complications from the cold, such as those with compromised immune systems or underlying health disorders.

When to Seek Medical Help?

Most colds in the summer will go away on their own in a week or two. There are, however, times when medical help may be needed. You should see a doctor if:

• Your symptoms are severe or persistent
• You have a fever of over 100.4°F
• You have trouble breathing or shortness of breath.
• You get chest pain or pressure.
• You feel confused or disoriented.

These symptoms could be signs of something more serious, like pneumonia or bronchitis, that needs medical care.

Conclusion

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Colds in the summer can be annoying, but they don’t have to ruin your whole summer.

You may lessen the likelihood of catching a summer cold on you or someone else by maintaining proper hygiene, staying hydrated, getting plenty of rest, and maintaining a nutritious diet.

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If you do get a cold, natural remedies like honey, ginger, and garlic, as well as medical treatments like over-the-counter medications and antiviral medications, can help you manage your symptoms.

However, it is imperative that you get medical assistance if your symptoms are severe or if they persist for an extended period of time, as well as if you have any issues about your health. Get the medical attention you need, and you’ll be back to basking in the summer sun in no time.