2024-08-05 15:51:45
Why do we get cold in summer?
Family doctor E. Kvedarienė says that colds occur less often in the summer, and the symptoms of the infection itself can be different.
In addition to common cold symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, cough and sneezing, various rashes may appear in the warm season, digestive tract disorders such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever can be bothersome. The latter symptoms are usually caused by specific viruses that are more active in the summer, such as enteroviruses.
“In summer, the favorable environment for cold viruses is caused by details that weaken the immune system, such as excessive use of air conditioners or swimming in cold water. Rapid changes in temperature, especially when moving from a warm environment to a cold one, can cause stress on the body, which temporarily weakens the effectiveness of the immune system, making the body more susceptible to viral infections.
Dry weather is another important factor that can increase the risk of catching a cold in summer. Air conditioners often dry the air indoors, which can adversely affect the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. If the latter are dry, the risk of inefficient retention and removal of pathogens increases. “During the summer, many people tend to be more active than usual, so they often don’t get enough sleep, get tired, adhere less to the principles of a healthy diet, don’t drink enough fluids – all this reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, including cold viruses,” says the doctor.
Folk advice is not very effective
Although there is a wealth of both advanced research and innovative treatments for cold viruses, many people still rely on folk remedies. According to Dr. E. Kvedarienė, these are usually elderly people who use many different medications, so they do not want to add additional medical preparations to their daily routine. Unfortunately, the family doctor warns – folk medicine in some cases can be not only ineffective, but even dangerous.
“Some people think that if they feel the symptoms of a cold and drink strong alcohol, they will get rid of the virus and, as it were, disinfect the body. However, alcohol dehydrates and weakens the immune system, so it can prolong the course of the disease. Hot steam baths and inhalations are also a popular method of “overcoming” upper respiratory tract infections in society. It’s true that while warm steam can temporarily relieve nasal congestion, excessive heat can burn the airways, and accidental spillage of hot water can cause serious burns.
Rinsing the nose and throat with salt water is still popular. Although this may help clear the airways for a while, the use of an improperly prepared solution can irritate the mucous membranes or cause infections, especially if the water used is dirty,” notes the doctor.
According to her, another myth that is quite difficult to dispel from society is the unnecessary use of antibiotics. It’s not uncommon for people to have leftover antibiotics at home that were once prescribed to treat a specific bacterial infection. However, E. Kvedarienė notes that antibiotics are ineffective for colds, as they are usually caused by viruses.
“Moreover, inappropriate use of antibiotics can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance in the body. Therefore, it is very important to take antibiotics only when prescribed by your doctor and for as long as necessary. If your cold symptoms are severe or last longer than usual, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment plan,” she says.
Let’s not cry for the rest of the summer
The family doctor states that regulating temperature changes will help prevent colds in the summer, for example, not bathing in cold water on a hot day or cooling rooms with an air conditioner. For those using air conditioners for cooling, it is advised not to overdo it when setting the temperature – it should be no more than 5 degrees lower than outside. Also, the premises should be regularly ventilated and humidified to maintain the humidity of the respiratory tract mucous membranes and their proper function.
“Of course, in order to protect yourself from cold viruses, it is recommended to follow the usual hygiene rules: avoid close contact with people with cold symptoms, regularly wash your hands with soap or disinfect them, especially before eating, after using the toilet or after visiting public places. It is also very important to constantly strengthen your immune system by including products containing a lot of vitamins and minerals in the menu, for example, fruits, vegetables, proteins, whole grain products.
We should not forget that water is also very necessary for the body, especially on hot days, and quality sleep and rest help strengthen physical and emotional health, which also contributes to the immune system. In addition, it is good to maintain physical activity while exercising, to avoid bad habits, such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption,” the doctor shares her advice.
She adds that if you feel the symptoms of a cold, it is recommended to monitor your health and if you feel worse or make your daily life very difficult, you should immediately contact your family doctor for an examination. For mild cold symptoms, drinking plenty of fluids such as tea with honey, broths and water will suffice.
It is best to use sea water for nasal irrigation, which can help remove mucus, viruses and bacteria, reduce nasal congestion and make breathing easier. Most importantly, allow enough time for rest and sleep and proper strengthening of the body so that it can recover faster.
2024-08-05 15:51:45