A cold during summer? Might sound strange, but it is more common than you think. This season, if you are suddenly suffering from running nose, don’t panic. In all probabilities, it must be summer cold, and it is different from allergies.
Most people think that you can catch a cold only during winter. Not true as it can happen during the hot summer season too. Summer colds are mainly caused due to enteroviruses which trigger sore throat, runny nose and intestinal woes.
Also Read: Common Cold: Immunise Your Body With These Ayurvedic Preventions
And in these days of COVID-19, even a small sneeze can trigger the anxiety but not all respiratory issues are related to the pandemic. Let us assure you that lung-related ailments during summer are quite different and easily treatable.
Read this article to get an insight about summer cold and effective home remedies to treat it.
Difference Between Summer Cold And Winter Cold
There is no big difference between a summer and winter cold, as both are caused due to viruses transmitted from an infected person’s droplets or by contact when a person touches the hand to their nose, mouth or eyes. The biggest difference is the way in which we handle them. While in winter we naturally stay indoors in an effort to treat cold but during summers we tend to venture outdoors more, making us prone to the viral infection.
How To Identify Summer Cold And Allergy
Cold and allergies have similar symptoms like sneezing, runny nose and sore throat, but with a cold, you may also have symptoms like coughing, sweating and fever. A summer cold generally settles within a week or two, however, if symptoms persist for more than two weeks than you are dealing with allergies. The symptoms of cold usually tend to be mild and then worsens and return to mild, but with allergies, symptoms tend to be consistent. The onset of symptoms with a cold occurs at different times, while with allergies all symptoms appear all at once.
The Best Home Remedies To Treat Summer Cold
How long a cold extends depends on an individual’s immune response and is also influenced by the diet, adequate hydration and the physical activity levels of the person. Follow these simple and effective home remedies to get respite from summer colds:
Adequate Rest
Proper rest and adequate sleep are essential to allow the body to recuperate well and boost the immune system. Avoid intense physical activity and stress as these would aggravate the condition.
Stay Well Hydrated
It is essential to maintain hydration well, drink plenty of water and stay away from caffeinated and alcoholic beverages. Mild soups and a hot cup of tea are comforting foods that can soothe you and ease the symptoms of a summer cold.
Eat Healthy
A nutritious and well-balanced diet will provide you with adequate energy and protein to combat illness and stay healthy. A diet plentiful in vegetables and fruits will provide you with immune-boosting nutrients like vitamins A, D, C, zinc and iron that helps to keep diseases at bay. Also Read: 5 Best Foods For Immune System
Herbal Drinks
Herbal drinks and concoctions are best to bolster the immune system and help lessen the symptoms associated with a summer cold and battles the infections causing agents. The powerful pant phytonutrients and antioxidants work wonders in treating summer cold. Turmeric, basil leaves, garlic, ginger and liquorice are some of the valuable herbs that help in treating summer cold.
Humidifiers
Humidifiers and steamers support largely to get relieved from the symptoms like runny nose, congestion, and sore throat and coughing. In addition, humidifiers lower the dryness and lessen coughing.
Supplements
Getting your dose of essential supplements helps to bolster your immune system, battles the disease-causing agents and keep infections at bay. Take vitamin C, A, zinc or a multi-vitamin and mineral supplements every day to trigger immunity.
However, it is best to seek medical care if the symptoms worsen and do not respond well with these remedies.
Well, there’s no way to completely prevent one from getting a cold, whether being in the summer or winter season. However, there are simple measures that can mitigate your chance of getting it.
Strengthen Your Immunity: This is one of the pivotal measures and there are several ways to do this - eating a wholesome and balanced diet, adding superfoods, reducing stress, and taking herbal and micronutrient supplements that contain immune triggering natural remedies.
Sound Sleep: Getting a good quality and restful sleep is quintessential for the system to rejuvenate and boost the immune system so that it can function well.
Wash Hands: Remember to wash your hands often, as pathogens can spread directly or indirectly from an infected person to healthy people by hand, the greatest defence is to embrace hand hygiene. Especially after using restrooms and touching areas where microbes can be prevalent.
Stay Away From Sick Person: If you know someone has a cold, it is better to avoid interacting with them. Also, if you get close or touch them, ensure to wash your hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitisers.
