Cold during Summer

With 44 degree temperature of today, you must be thinking that it’s definitely not cold in summer and definitely not a time to catch cold. It is hot outside and a perfect time to sit in a well furnished air conditioned room; you feel active and want to get all your work done. And if you feel you are having cold in this scorching heat, there is nothing to be worried and it is absolutely normal. Even though chance of catching cold in summer is less likely than in winter, cold in summer is a common phenomenon. But, unlike winter cold which is nasty and short, summer colds are generally longer. As the virus which causes cold in winter is different from the one infecting you in summer. So, do not worry if it stays more than five- six days.

There are a few things you might want to know about your summer cold:

 Reason: We think that summer is the best time for having chilled drinks, but sadly our body doesn’t think so. The most common reason for such cold is the frequent shift of people between warm and cool environment. Frequent moving in and out of air conditioned room might actually increase the vulnerability of sickness in summer decrease. The sudden chilling lowers the defenses in the nose and throat and if a virus is already present, this reduces our immunity to fight against it.

Cold and Allergy: But summer colds can have more severe, flu-like symptoms, in addition to sneezing and coughing. Since it stays longer, people often confuse it with flu or allergies. It is common for cold in summer to last longer. However, if there are symptoms of itching eyes or ears, rashes etc you might be suffering from allergies.

Work-Outs: If you have cold, working out in summer, with the hope that your body shall feel warm and eventually you shall be relieved from the cold, is actually a very bad idea. Since exercise and work outs drive out the energy of the body, decreasing the energy left to fight the virus.           

 Proper rest and water: The best treatment would be to take ample amount of rest and plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Prefer drinking water and avoid beverages that can dry you out, like sodas, coffee, and alcohol, especially during the hot days of summer. However, a hot soup or green tea shall be beneficial.

Yogi Kanthika: Zinc lozenges are expected not to work as good as in case of the common cold in winter. However, you can also try Yogi Kanthika which is purely herbal and sugar free pill. It shall protect your throat from being dry; the herbs present in it shall soothe your throat and provide relief from cough congestion.

Consult a physician if fever and rashes persist for over 10 days. Please view the next article for more home remedies for cold.