Summer Cold: Causes, Symptoms, and How to Treat It Effectively

A summer cold is a viral infection that occurs during the warmer months. Despite its name, a cold during summer is caused by different viruses than those responsible for winter colds. Recognising the symptoms and understanding the causes of a summer cold can help you manage this common cold effectively and find relief.

What is a summer cold?

A summer cold, also known as a cold virus in summer, is a viral infection that affects the upper respiratory system. Unlike winter colds, which are primarily caused by rhinoviruses, summer colds are often caused by enteroviruses. These viruses thrive in warmer temperatures and can spread easily through close contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces.

Many people associate colds with the winter season, but the truth is that you can catch a cold at any time of the year. Summer colds can be particularly frustrating because they often occur when you want to enjoy outdoor activities and socialise with friends and family.

Causes of summer colds

Here are some of the common summer cold causes:

1. Viral infections: Enteroviruses, such as coxsackievirus and echovirus, are the most common culprits behind summer colds. These viruses can cause a range of symptoms, from mild to severe.
2. Weakened immune system: Stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to viral infections.
3. Crowded places: Spending time in crowded areas, such as amusement parks, beaches, or aeroplanes, increases your risk of exposure to cold-causing viruses.
4. Air conditioning: While air conditioning itself doesn't cause colds, the sudden temperature changes and dry air can irritate your nasal passages and make you more vulnerable to infections.

Symptoms of a summer cold

The symptoms of a summer cold are similar to those of a winter cold:

• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Sneezing
• Headache
• Mild fever
• Fatigue

These symptoms typically last for 7-10 days, although some may linger for up to two weeks.

Effective treatments

While there is no cure for a summer cold, several treatments can help alleviate your symptoms and promote recovery:

1. Rest: Give your body the time it needs to fight off the infection by getting plenty of rest.
2. Hydration: Drink lots of water, herbal tea, and clear broths to stay hydrated and help thin mucus secretions.
3. Over-the-counter medications: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and relieve aches and pains. Decongestants and cough suppressants may also provide symptom relief.
4. Humidifier: Using a humidifier or taking a warm shower can help moisturise your nasal passages and ease congestion.
5. Saltwater gargle: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat and reduce inflammation.

Remember, antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like summer colds. If your symptoms persist or worsen, consult your doctor for personalised advice.

How can I tell if it's a summer cold or allergies?

Sometimes, it can be difficult to distinguish between a summer cold and allergies. Here are a few key differences:

• Duration: Summer cold symptoms usually last 7–14 days, while allergies can persist for weeks or even months, especially with ongoing exposure to allergens like pollen or dust.
• Symptom variation: Cold symptoms may change in intensity over a few days—starting with a sore throat and moving to congestion or coughing. Allergy symptoms tend to be more consistent day-to-day unless the exposure level changes.
• Fever presence: A summer cold may come with a low-grade fever, chills, or mild body aches. Allergies typically do not cause fever or body aches.
• Nasal discharge: Colds often produce thicker, yellow or green mucus, while allergies cause clear, watery nasal discharge.
• Itchiness: Itchy eyes, nose, throat, or ears are common with allergies but rare with a cold.
• Onset speed: Colds usually develop over a couple of days, while allergy symptoms can start suddenly after exposure to a trigger.

What are the best home remedies?

In addition to over-the-counter treatments, several home remedies can help you manage a summer cold:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids helps thin mucus, keeps your throat moist, and supports your immune system in fighting off the virus. Stick to water, herbal teas, broths, and electrolyte drinks, and avoid caffeine or alcohol, which can dehydrate you.
• Get plenty of rest: Rest is crucial because it allows your body to focus on healing. Avoid overexertion and let your body recover at its own pace.
• Inhale steam: Steam can open up nasal passages, loosen congestion, and soothe irritated airways. Simply breathe in steam from a bowl of hot water or take a hot shower.
• Gargle with salt water: A warm saltwater gargle helps reduce throat inflammation and relieve soreness.

If you suspect you have a summer cold and your symptoms persist or worsen, consider seeking professional medical advice. Metropolis Healthcare offers a wide range of diagnostic services, including at-home sample collection, to help you identify the cause of your symptoms and receive appropriate treatment. With a network of state-of-the-art laboratories across India, Metropolis Healthcare is committed to providing accurate, reliable results and personalised care to help you manage your health effectively.

FAQs

Is a summer cold different from a winter cold?

While summer colds and winter colds share similar symptoms, they are caused by different viruses. Summer colds are primarily caused by enteroviruses, while winter colds are mostly caused by rhinoviruses.

How long does a summer cold last?

A summer cold typically lasts 7-10 days, with symptoms peaking around days 3-5. Some symptoms, such as a cough, may linger for up to two weeks.

Are summer colds contagious?

Yes, summer colds are highly contagious. They can spread through close contact with infected individuals or by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your face.

Can air conditioning cause summer colds?

Air conditioning itself doesn't cause summer colds, but the dry air and sudden temperature changes can irritate your nasal passages and make you more susceptible to viral infections.