Key takeaways:
- Non-polio enteroviruses usually cause summer colds. Other viruses, such as adenovirus, parainfluenza virus, and rhinovirus, are commonly responsible for colds during winter, but they can also cause summer colds.
- Symptoms include sore throat, cough, nasal congestion or runny nose, fever, headaches, fatigue, and occasionally digestive issues such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea.
- Summer colds can be mistaken for allergies, the flu, RSV, or COVID-19. If symptoms persist, testing and medical advice are recommended.
- Children may experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms, including difficulty eating, irritability, and disrupted sleep.
- Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen, do not improve after two weeks, or if you experience high fever and difficulty breathing.
How are you experiencing cold symptoms during the summer?
A summer cold refers to a common cold acquired during the summer months, typically from June to September.
Cold illnesses tend to occur more frequently in winter because people spend more time indoors due to cold temperatures and holiday festivities. Indoor events with dry air from central heating facilitate the transmission of cold germs. Additionally, many viruses that cause cold symptoms thrive in cold, dry temperatures during the winter months. `But you can absolutely get sick with a cold during the summer, too.
Over 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms, usually leading to sneezing, sore throat, and runny nose, which are early indicators. During the summer, the viral landscape changes as enteroviruses infect tissues in the nose, throat, eyes, digestive system, and other areas. These viruses can induce sudden fever, ranging from 101°F to 104°F. They may also result in mild respiratory issues, a sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or vomiting.
What are the cold symptoms in the summer?
If you experience any of the following respiratory or digestive symptoms in the summer, it might be enteroviruses causing summer colds. Consult your doctor immediately.
Respiratory symptoms include:
- Fever and body aches
- Cough
- Headaches
- A blocked or runny nose
- Sore or scratchy throat
- A hoarse voice
- Sneezing
- Feeling fatigued
- Feeling of pressure in your ears and face
Digestive symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhoea
Your children might experience severe symptoms that could last longer in kids. Summer cold symptoms in children may include difficulty eating, sleeping, breathing through the mouth, irritability, and becoming sick after coughing.
What causes cold symptoms during summer?
The following viruses can cause cold symptoms in the summer:
- Enteroviruses: Leading cause of summer cold since they thrive in hot and humid temperatures
- Adenoviruses: Not predominantly summer cold-causing viruses, but can cause colds all year round, especially later winter, spring, and early summer.
- Parainfluenza viruses: Different strains thrive in different temperatures. So, it can cause summer colds.
- Human metapneumovirus: More common in late winter, but can cause summer colds.
- Rhinoviruses: Thrive in cold, dry temperatures, so they usually cause colds in winter. They can sometimes cause summer colds, but this is uncommon.
How can you tell if it's a summer cold?
Seasonal allergies, colds, COVID-19, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all present many similar symptoms. This overlap can make it challenging to identify the exact cause of your symptoms.
Summer cold versus COVID-19
The symptoms of a summer cold and COVID-19 may seem similar; however, a loss of taste and smell can help distinguish them. With a summer cold, you might temporarily lose your sense of smell and taste due to nasal congestion and sore throat, which usually improve as the cold clears up. In contrast, with COVID-19, loss of taste and smell is a notable symptom because the virus affects the olfactory and gustatory systems of the brain. COVID-19 symptoms also include shortness of breath, a severe and persistent cough, fever, and chills.
It is advised to get tested for COVID-19 whenever you experience upper respiratory symptoms, regardless of the time of year. Testing can verify if you have COVID-19, and you should consult your healthcare provider about available treatment options. Take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus to others.
Summer cold versus allergies
If you experience a runny nose, sore throat, and watery eyes every summer, you probably have seasonal allergies. Summer cold symptoms usually clear up within two weeks. If you continue to have a runny nose for several weeks, allergies are likely the cause. A common sign is that allergies do not cause diarrhoea or an upset stomach, unlike summer colds.
Summer cold versus summer flu
Influenza viruses cause the flu, which is different from cold viruses. Flu symptoms are usually more intense and can sometimes be life-threatening. The flu season typically occurs from fall to spring (October to April). Your healthcare provider might recommend a flu test and could prescribe antivirals to help alleviate symptoms.
Summer cold versus RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the virus responsible for the respiratory infection of the same name. Typically, RSV causes symptoms similar to a cold. However, it can be especially dangerous for infants, young children, and older adults, who are more likely to develop severe pneumonia and breathing problems. RSV is common in children under 2 years old and those with weakened immune systems. It is characterized by a blue or grey colour around the lips, difficulty feeding, quick shallow breaths, and nostril flaring during breathing.
Like colds and flu, RSV is more prevalent in winter, but recent trends show an increase in cases during summer months. Testing can confirm if you or your child has RSV. Most infections are mild, with symptoms resolving in a few weeks. Nonetheless, some individuals may require hospitalization, including those who need IV fluids and oxygen therapy.
What kind of treatment plan could your doctor recommend?
Your doctor might suggest the following treatment plan for cold symptoms in the summer:
- Salt water for gargles
- Drinking water, electrolyte drinks, and tea to prevent dehydration
- Cough medications and a hot shower or bath before bed for nighttime coughs
- Honey and hot lemon tea for a sore throat and cough
- Saline nasal sprays and humidifiers to get rid of phlegm and mucus.
- Taking acetaminophen (Tylenol) for headache or fever.
- BRAT diet (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) for an upset stomach, nausea, and diarrhoea.
- Cough drops or lozenges (suitable for adults and children over the age of 6 years)
- Rest and good sleep
What steps can you take to prevent the spread of this disease?
While it may not be entirely possible to prevent a cold, specific steps can help you lower the chances of catching one. These measures might include:
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Avoid touching your eyes or nose.
- Refrain from sharing towels and personal belongings with others.
- Covering your mouth and nose when you cough and sneeze.
- Disinfect your home or any surface you touch
- Wear a face mask
- Stay away from others when you’re ill.
- Best to stay at home and rest.
Living with:
While colds are common during winter, summer colds can also occur and may leave you feeling tired, accompanied by symptoms such as a sore throat, cough, or stomach upset. Enteroviruses, rhinoviruses, and adenoviruses are often causes of summer colds, and they usually go away on their own. However, sometimes symptoms may indicate allergies, the flu, COVID-19, or RSV. Simple home remedies, staying hydrated, and getting sufficient rest can help accelerate the recovery process. Preventive measures, such as handwashing, wearing masks, and maintaining social distancing, can help reduce the transmission of the virus. If symptoms worsen or persist, consult a healthcare professional. Staying informed and vigilant can promote quicker recovery and protect those around you.
Frequently Asked Questions:
When should I see a doctor for my cold?
See a doctor if your temperature remains high for over three days, your cold symptoms worsen, you have a cough lasting more than three weeks, or if you experience a very high temperature, feel hot and shivery, experience shortness of breath, or chest pain. Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan tailored to your specific symptoms and condition.
How long do summer colds last?
Cold symptoms are most noticeable during the first 10 days of illness, but some may persist for several days after.
How to prevent summer colds in children
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent your little one from catching a cold, you can take steps to reduce their risk of infection and transmission. Your doctor might suggest encouraging your child to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly, avoiding sharing cups or utensils whenever possible (which can be especially challenging for babies and young toddlers who tend to put things in their mouths), and steering clear of crowded indoor places when they are ill. Additionally, it’s best to keep them out of school, daycare, or camp if they have an active fever to avoid infecting others.
Is it a summer cold or allergies?
The symptoms of allergies are itchy eyes, nose, and sneezing, which tend to last longer and be more persistent. Allergies cause thin, translucent mucus. In contrast, summer colds usually last from three to seven days. They can produce mucus that typically starts translucent, then thickens, and becomes cloudy or greenish-yellow, indicating an infection. Colds may also lead to fever or sweating.
What care plan is needed before the travel?
If you exhibit signs of a summer cold, flu symptoms, or possible COVID-19 indicators, avoid traveling without seeking proper treatment. Prompt action safeguards your health, your travel plans, and those you might encounter.
