Cold in summer
introduction
A cold in summer is, like the classic cold, an infection of the upper respiratory tract.
The most common summer cold triggers are viruses. It is popularly referred to as the summer flu. It is important to differentiate it from the real seasonal flu. The real flu is triggered by influenza viruses and is characterized by strong symptoms and a high fever. The summer flu, on the other hand, is nothing more than a harmless cold that is triggered by other strains of the virus and not the influenza viruses.
Symptoms of a summer cold
The symptoms of a cold in summer are slowly increasing. They are similar to the symptoms that one would expect with a classic cold in the winter months. A runny nose can occur, which can develop into a sinus infection. Headaches can be triggered by the increased pressure in the sinuses caused by the swelling of the mucous membranes and the secretion. Those affected often continue to complain of a burning sensation in their nose.
As with the classic cold, the cold in summer often starts with a scratchy throat, which then increases in the course of a sore throat. The sore throat can be accompanied by difficulty swallowing. Due to the irritated mucous membrane in the throat and the increased secretion, an increased urge to cough is perceived. The cough may persist for a few days after the other symptoms have subsided. In some cases, a cold in summer can also be accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms. However, this does not have to occur and can be very variable. Bulky pain and loss of appetite are possible. But diarrhea can also occur.
Read more on the topic: Symptoms of a cold
The incubation period of the summer flu
The time from infection with a virus that causes summer flu to when symptoms appear is the incubation period. Summer flu can be triggered by many different viruses, so the incubation time is also very variable. Usually symptoms appear after 2 to 14 days.
More information on this topic: Summer flu
diagnosis
The diagnosis of a cold in summer is made on the basis of the symptoms.
If the typical symptoms occur and there are no risk factors, a visit to a doctor is not absolutely necessary. Should a doctor be consulted, he will narrow down the symptoms in a short conversation and possibly carry out an orientating physical examination.
Further diagnostics are only useful for special patient groups and if a bacterial infection is suspected. The detection of a virus as a pathogen does not make sense because it does not have any therapeutic consequences. Colds caused by viruses are treated symptomatically and no special medication is given directly against the virus.
You might also be interested in: When do I have to see a doctor with a cold?
therapy
A cold in summer does not have to be treated with medication. The body's own immune system manages to fight the viruses effectively with a little time. So far, there is no drug that works directly against these viruses and it does not make sense. But you can still take measures that support the immune system in fighting the viruses. On the one hand, it is important to get enough rest and sleep so that the immune system can work efficiently.
On the other hand, you should ensure that you drink a good amount, especially if you have a fever. The liquid also helps to liquefy the mucus in the sinuses and throat area so that it can drain away better.
Further information on the subject is available at: Therapy for a cold
Medicines for the summer flu
In the case of summer flu, you can primarily treat the symptoms to make the disease more bearable. However, this does not affect the duration of the illness. Nasal sprays to decongest the swelling of the nasal mucosa can provide relief, but should be used very carefully to avoid habituation. The nasal spray should be used for a maximum of 7 days.
There are some decongestant medications on the market, many of them herbal, which are beneficial for wellbeing.
Common pain relievers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used for headaches and body aches. Paracetamol is also a good fever reducer should this occur. Some manufacturers also offer combination products that contain several active ingredients and promise comprehensive relief. However, it must be clear that a cocktail of active ingredients can have more side effects than just a single active ingredient.
Simple lollipops can help to keep the throat area moisturized for a sore throat. There are also lozenges that have anti-inflammatory effects or numb the throat region, which alleviates the pain. Such additional drugs should only be taken in the acute phase; prolonged use should be avoided.
If the disease has not gotten better after a week and a greenish-yellow sputum is produced when coughing, a doctor must be consulted, as the infection may be bacterial and antibiotic therapy must be initiated in severe cases.
Read more on the topic:
- Dependence on nasal spray
- Epistaxis from nasal spray
Home remedies for a summer cold
In general, if you have a cold, you should always drink a good amount of water and get enough rest. If the sinuses are involved, it makes sense to inhale saline or water mixed with thyme. Inhaling the hot water vapor dissolves the solid mucus and helps to reduce the pressure on the sinuses and thus also the headache.
If you have a sore throat, potato wraps can be used to bring pleasant warmth to this area. Leg wraps can help against a fever. Here, however, care should be taken to ensure that the exposure time is not too long and that there are appropriate breaks so that the circulation is not impaired by the application of cold.
Read more on the topic:
- Home remedies for a cold
- Inhaling if you have a cold
Homeopathy for a summer cold
A good homeopathic remedy for a cold in summer is Ferrum phosphoricum. It supports the immune system and is effective for colds with weakness and fever. Ferrum phosphoricum is taken every hour in the acute phase. The dose can be reduced in the course of a cold. When using homeopathic remedies, you should either have a certain empirical value or you should consult a family doctor beforehand. This can then also estimate the best potency and duration of intake.
You might also be interested in this topic: Naturopathy for a cold
An antibiotic works against a summer flu
A summer flu is triggered by viruses; antibiotics generally do not help against viruses. Antibiotics work on bacteria; these are prevented from dividing and growing by antibiotics or their outer shell is destroyed. Because viruses do not have their own replication mechanisms or cell walls, antibiotics cannot harm you.
Duration
A cold in summer begins slowly with the first symptoms, which increase over a few days. Symptoms then peak after three days. Most symptoms usually go away after about seven days. It is important to know that a cough typically only appears later in the course of a cold and lasts for an average of 18 days, even when all other symptoms have completely subsided.
A lasting feeling of physical weakness can persist for a few days after the other symptoms have subsided. In this phase you should continue to take physical care and not be exposed to the heat for a long time, as this can impair the circulation and the immune system. It would be unusual, however, if the cold symptoms persist for more than 14 days. Then a doctor should be consulted to clarify further causes of the persistent symptoms.
You might also be interested in this topic: How can I shorten the duration of a cold?
Summer flu is so contagious
Summer flu is as contagious as any other cold. The viruses are transmitted via tiny droplets that are thrown into the air when someone coughs or sneezes. Viruses can be quickly exposed to, especially in confined spaces such as public transport. Another important transmission path is smear infection, which means that viruses are found on a door handle, for example, which then spread to the skin when touched. If you now touch a mucous membrane with your hand, e.g. mouth, nose or eyes, so the pathogens can penetrate and trigger a summer flu. The most effective protection against infection with the viruses that cause the summer flu is regular hand washing.
causes
The causative pathogens of the common cold in summer are viruses. In summer, however, the virus strains involved are different from those in winter. In summer, entero, coxsackie and echo viruses typically trigger the common cold. These viruses are all transmitted via the droplet infection. When coughing or sneezing, tiny droplets are expelled into the air, in which the virus can get through the air to the next person.
Smear infection also plays a role in these viruses. In this form of transmission, the virus particles are first transferred from the nasopharynx to the hand and then in the next step to various surfaces by touching them. Doorknobs or other surfaces that are touched by many people are particularly predestined for this. A virus ingestion via one of these transmission routes does not necessarily lead to a cold.
Other less common pathogens are Borrelia, which can be transmitted from ticks to humans when a tick bites.
Usually other factors also play a role that cause a temporary weakening of the immune system. Temperature fluctuations, such as those caused by air conditioning, have a negative impact on the immune system. Furthermore, physical overexertion in the sun, as well as long sunbathing or wet clothes or hair can be a cause of a cold in summer.
Also read the article on the topic: Causes of a cold
Why do you always catch a cold on vacation?
There are a number of reasons why people like to catch a cold while on vacation. On the one hand, one is often exposed to air conditioning during the trip, which on the one hand impair the immune system due to the changing climate. On the other hand, the pathogens can circulate well in the air-conditioned air. Especially when traveling by air, you are in close contact with many other people. Pathogens can then easily be passed on in this environment.
Traveling to a different climate can also contribute to the development of a cold. The body first has to get used to the new climate and the immune system can be temporarily weakened. This allows pathogens to spread well and lead to a cold. Sudden relaxation from stressful everyday life can also contribute to the development of a cold. In times of stress, the body constantly releases hormones that also strengthen the immune system. If the stress disappears, the level of stress hormones drops and the immune system suddenly stops working as effectively.
Find out more about the topic: Can you fly with a cold?
Air conditioning as a trigger for a cold in summer
Air conditioning systems cause a constant change between warm and cold air, especially in summer.
These sudden changes can affect the immune system to make it more prone to catching a cold in summer. In addition, the pathogens can spread very well in the air-conditioned air and if these rooms are rarely ventilated, they remain there for a relatively long time.
Is there a summer flu without a cold?
The term summer flu may be misleading. Real flu is caused by influenza viruses and can be a very serious and protracted illness.
Summer flu is a flu-like infection that occurs in summer. Contrary to the prevailing view, the cold season is not necessarily the cause of a cold and it is also possible to get a viral infection in summer.
