While many people associate the common cold with chilly winter months, it is entirely possible, and even common, to catch a cold in the summer. Despite the warm weather, certain viruses circulate actively during summer, leading to symptoms that can disrupt vacation plans and outdoor activities.
The Viruses Behind Summer Colds
The viruses responsible for summer colds differ from those causing winter colds. Rhinoviruses, the primary cause of winter colds, prefer cooler temperatures. In contrast, summer colds are predominantly caused by enteroviruses, a group of over 60 types of viruses that thrive in warmer environments. These enteroviruses are most active from June to October.
Enteroviruses can spread through various routes, including respiratory secretions like saliva or mucus, contact with contaminated surfaces, or fecal matter. Common summer activities such as visiting swimming pools, parks, or barbecues can increase exposure to these viruses. While rhinoviruses primarily affect the upper respiratory tract, enteroviruses can also impact the digestive system.
Identifying Summer Cold Symptoms
Summer cold symptoms overlap with winter cold symptoms, including a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and headache. However, enterovirus-induced summer colds may also present with additional symptoms less common with rhinoviruses. These can include fever, body aches, and gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Some enteroviruses, like Coxsackievirus, can also cause rashes, mouth blisters, or hand, foot, and mouth disease, particularly in children.
Distinguishing a summer cold from seasonal allergies or heat exhaustion is important for proper management. Seasonal allergies, triggered by summer pollen, cause itchy eyes, nose, and throat, sneezing, and clear nasal discharge. Unlike colds, allergies do not cause fever, body aches, or gastrointestinal upset. Allergy symptoms persist for weeks or months as long as exposure to the allergen continues, whereas cold symptoms usually improve within 7 to 10 days.
Heat exhaustion results from the body overheating. Its symptoms include heavy sweating, cold and clammy skin, headache, dizziness, muscle cramps, and nausea, but no fever or respiratory symptoms like a cough or sore throat. Unlike a cold, heat exhaustion is not contagious and is directly related to environmental heat exposure and dehydration. If symptoms are severe or persist, or if a high fever is present, consulting a healthcare provider is advised to rule out more serious conditions.
Preventing and Managing Summer Colds
Preventing summer colds involves practicing good hygiene. Frequent handwashing with soap and water is recommended, especially before eating or after being in public places. Avoiding touching the face, particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth, helps prevent viruses from entering the body. Maintaining distance from individuals exhibiting cold symptoms and sanitizing frequently touched surfaces limits viral spread.
If a summer cold develops, managing symptoms focuses on supportive care. Getting rest allows the body to conserve energy for fighting the virus. Staying well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water, clear broths, or electrolyte drinks helps thin mucus and prevent dehydration. Over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers, decongestants, and cough suppressants, provide relief from symptoms like fever, headache, and congestion. Using a humidifier or taking steamy showers helps alleviate nasal congestion and sore throat.