Do I have a summer cold?

Summer is here, and you’re getting ready for your vacation and to finally tackle that yardwork you’ve been putting off. But just as you’re about to, your nose starts running and your throat is scratchy. You can’t have a cold in the summer, right? As it turns out, you can.

You don’t have to be in cold weather to catch a cold. They can happen at any time of year. While you may feel like you feel worse with a summer cold than a winter cold, summer colds tend not to make you sicker. You are, generally speaking, fighting off the same viruses in the summer that give you colds in the winter, CEENTA ENT doctor Brett Heavner, MD, said. Instead, that worse feeling is often psychological: you’re upset you’re sick when everyone else is healthy and you just feel worse.

How do I know I don’t have allergies?

If you’re not sure if you have a cold or allergies, consider this list of symptoms:

• Symptoms of both colds and allergies include sneezing, a runny nose, congestion, and an itchy or sore throat.
• Cold symptoms also include coughing, sweating, and a fever.
• Colds last one or two weeks. Allergies last longer.
• Nasal discharge is clear and thin with allergies. It’s thicker and more yellow with colds.

How do I treat a summer cold?

Summer cold remedies, like winter cold remedies, include:

• Getting plenty of rest.
• Staying hydrated.
• Taking vitamin C.
• Using a humidifier or steam to ease your symptoms.

How do I prevent a summer cold?

Preventative measures are the same for summer colds as winter colds.

• Get plenty of exercise and sleep.
• If possible, avoid contact with sick people if possible.
• Keep your hands clean.
• Try to avoid stressful situations, as stress can compromise your immune system.

A cold is no fun no matter what time of year it is, but with a bit of care you can ensure you’re as healthy as possible this summer.

This blog is for informational purposes only. For specific medical questions, please consult your physician.