Summer is a season that’s mostly associated with warm weather, sunshine, outdoor activities, and vacation. However, it’s also the time of the year when people can suffer from cold and flu.

While cold and flu are typically associated with the winter season, it can also happen during the summer months, and it can be equally bothersome.

In this article, we’ll discuss the causes of summer cold and flu to help you understand why it happens, how to prevent it, and what to do in case you or your loved ones develop symptoms.

1. Viral Infections

Viral infections are the most common cause of cold and flu during any season. The summer months do not exempt you from viral infections, and the viruses that cause cold and flu tend to be more virulent in warmer weather.

One of the most common viruses that cause summer cold and flu is the Rhinovirus. This virus thrives in the warm and humid weather, making it easier for it to spread and infect people.

The Enterovirus is another virus that’s common during the summer season, and it’s known to cause flu-like symptoms, such as fever, sore throat, headache, and body aches.

Other viruses that can cause cold and flu during the summer months include the Influenza virus, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and Adenovirus.

These viruses can spread through close contact with an infected person, coughing, sneezing, or touching surfaces contaminated with the virus.

2. Allergies

Summer is also the season when people suffer from allergies, which can lead to similar symptoms as a cold or flu. Allergies occur when the immune system overreacts to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander.

Allergy symptoms can include a runny nose, sneezing, congestion, watery or itchy eyes, and sinus pressure. These symptoms can be very similar to those of a cold or flu, making it challenging to differentiate between the two.

If you have allergies, it’s important to manage them to prevent them from escalating into more serious illnesses such as sinusitis or bronchitis.

3. Poor Air Quality

In the summertime, the air quality can worsen due to increased pollution, humidity, and smog. Poor air quality can irritate the respiratory system and cause inflammation, making us more susceptible to cold and flu viruses.

Air conditioning can also have an impact on our respiratory health. Spending prolonged periods in an air-conditioned environment can cause dryness in the airways, making it easier for viruses to penetrate and infect us.

Therefore, it’s essential to maintain good air quality, whether indoors or outdoors, to minimize the risk of cold and flu infections.

4. Weakened Immune System

Diet, stress, lack of sleep, and dehydration can all weaken the immune system, making us more vulnerable to infections.

The summer months can be eventful, but it’s important to maintain healthy habits to prevent the immune system from being compromised.

Ensuring you get enough rest, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, staying hydrated, and managing stress levels can help bolster your immune system and protect you from cold and flu viruses.

5. Traveling

Traveling during the summer months can expose you to different environments and potential health risks. Air travel, in particular, can expose you to germs and viruses because of the close proximity with other people in a confined space.

If you’re traveling during the summer, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from cold and flu viruses.

This includes washing your hands frequently, avoiding touching your face, and carrying hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes to wipe down surfaces such as armrests, tray tables, and seatbelts.

Prevention and Treatment of Summer Cold and Flu

While summer cold and flu can be just as bothersome as the ones you get during the winter season, there are several ways you can prevent and treat it.

Prevention:.

Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating, after using public facilities, or touching surfaces.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and fluids.
Eat a balanced diet to keep your immune system strong.
Practice good hygiene by covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, and immediately dispose of the tissue.
Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth, which are entry points for viruses.
Maintain good air quality by keeping your indoor and outdoor environments clean and free from pollutants.

Treatment:.

Rest: Resting and taking it easy can give your body time to fight off the infection.
Drink plenty of fluids: Drinking water, tea, and other fluids can help keep you hydrated and help flush out toxins.
Over-the-counter medication: Medicine such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or decongestants can help alleviate symptoms such as fever, headache, and congestion.
Saltwater gargle: Gargling warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat.
Steam inhalation: Inhaling steam from a hot shower or humidifier can help loosen congestion in the nasal passages and ease breathing.
Use saline nasal drops: Saline drops or sprays can help alleviate nasal congestion and relieve a stuffy nose.
Herbal teas: Teas made from ginger, chamomile, and echinacea can help boost the immune system and alleviate cold and flu symptoms.

Conclusion

Summer cold and flu can be just as inconvenient and unpleasant as the cold and flu you get during the winter months.

By understanding the causes of summer cold and flu and taking the necessary preventive measures, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting the virus. In case, you or someone you know develops symptoms, there are many treatments available to relieve the symptoms and help you recover more quickly.