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 diarrhea.
Confusion with other illnesses – summer colds can be mistaken for allergies, the flu, RSV, or COVID-19; testing and medical advice are recommended if symptoms persist.
Children – may experience more severe or longer-lasting symptoms, including difficulty eating, irritability, and disrupted sleep.
Medical attention – seek it if symptoms worsen, do not improve after two weeks, or if high fever and difficulty breathing occur.
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What Is a Summer Cold?
A summer cold is simply a common cold that occurs between June and September. While colds are far more frequent in winter, when people crowd indoors and central heating dries out the air, over 200 different viruses are capable of causing cold like symptoms at any time of year. During summer, a different family of viruses takes the lead, producing symptoms that can feel slightly different from the typical winter cold.
What Are the Summer Cold Symptoms?
Summer cold symptoms often appear suddenly and can affect both the respiratory system and the digestive system. This two pronged effect is one of the clearest signs that enteroviruses, the dominant summer cold culprits, are at work.
Respiratory Symptoms
- Sudden fever ranging from 101°F to 104°F
- Sore or scratchy throat
- Blocked or runny nose
- Sneezing and hoarse voice
- Headaches and mild body aches
- A feeling of pressure in the ears and face
- General fatigue
Digestive Symptoms
Unlike winter colds, summer colds can cause gastrointestinal distress. Watch out for the following:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Upset stomach and cramping
- Diarrhoea
If your child is affected, symptoms may be more intense and last longer. Children may have difficulty eating and breathing through the mouth and become irritable or unusually tired. These summer cold symptoms in children deserve prompt attention if they worsen.
Still unsure what's causing your symptoms?
What Causes Cold Symptoms in Summer?
The viruses responsible for summer colds are different from those that dominate in winter. Here is a breakdown:
- Enteroviruses The primary cause of summer colds. These viruses thrive in hot, humid temperatures and can infect the nose, throat, eyes, and digestive system simultaneously.
- Adenoviruses Active year round, with a peak in late winter, spring, and early summer.
- Parainfluenza viruses Different strains thrive in different temperatures, making them capable of causing summer colds.
- Human metapneumovirus More common in late winter but can occasionally cause summer illness.
- Rhinoviruses The classic winter cold virus. Rarely causes summer colds, but it is not impossible.
Interestingly, many people confuse summer cold symptoms with winter sinusitis because of the overlapping sinus pressure and congestion. However, the underlying viruses and seasonal triggers are quite different.
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
Interestingly, many people confuse summer cold symptoms with winter sinusitis because of the overlapping sinus pressure and congestion. However, the underlying viruses and seasonal triggers are quite different.
How to Tell If It Is a Summer Cold (And Not Something Else)
Several conditions share symptoms with a summer cold, which can make self diagnosis difficult. Here is how to tell them apart.
Summer Cold vs COVID 19
Both conditions cause a sore throat, runny nose, and fatigue. The key difference lies in the loss of taste and smell. With a summer cold, you might temporarily lose these senses due to nasal congestion, and they typically return as your cold clears. With COVID 19, the loss is more severe because the virus directly affects the brain’s olfactory and gustatory systems. COVID 19 also tends to cause more intense shortness of breath and a persistent, severe cough. Always get tested if you have upper respiratory symptoms.
Summer Colds vs Seasonal Allergies
Seasonal allergies produce a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing, but they do not cause fever, body aches, or digestive symptoms like diarrhoea. If your runny nose drags on for weeks without any stomach issues or fever, allergies are the likely cause. A summer cold typically clears within one to two weeks.
If you are dealing with persistent nasal issues, you may also want to read about winter allergy symptoms, causes, and treatment to understand how allergens behave differently across seasons.
Summer Cold vs the Flu
Influenza (flu) symptoms are typically more severe than those of a cold and come on much faster. The flu season peaks from October to April, making a true flu diagnosis less likely in summer. However, if symptoms are intense and you are in a high risk group, your doctor may recommend a flu test and antiviral medications.
For more on spotting influenza early, visit our guide on staying healthy and avoiding the influenza virus.
Summer Cold vs RSV
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is especially dangerous for infants under two years old and older adults. Signs that RSV may be the culprit include a bluish tint around the lips, nostril flaring during breathing, and rapid, shallow breaths. RSV is most common in winter but has been increasing during summer months. A test can confirm the diagnosis.
Summer Cold Treatment: What Your Doctor May Recommend
There is no cure for a cold, but you can manage summer cold symptoms effectively with a few evidence based approaches:
- Salt water gargling to soothe a sore throat
- Staying well hydrated with water, electrolyte drinks, or herbal tea
- Honey and hot lemon tea to ease throat irritation and cough
- Saline nasal sprays or a humidifier to clear mucus
- Acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and headache
- BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Cough drops or lozenges (suitable for adults and children over six)
- A hot shower before bed to ease nighttime cough
- Plenty of rest and sleep
Digestive summer cold symptoms can sometimes resemble food poisoning symptoms and effects. If your gastrointestinal symptoms are severe or accompanied by a high fever, it is worth speaking to a healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
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How to Prevent a Summer Cold
While no method is foolproof, these steps significantly reduce your chances of picking up a summer cold:
- Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently
- Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes and nose
- Do not share towels or personal belongings with others
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
- Disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home
- Wear a face mask in crowded indoor spaces
- Stay home and rest if you are already feeling unwell
People with underlying respiratory conditions like asthma or chronic sinus issues are at higher risk of complications from any cold. Taking preventive steps is especially important for those individuals.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Summer cold symptoms usually resolve on their own within seven to fourteen days. However, you should consult a healthcare professional if:
- Your fever is extremely high or does not break after a few days
- You experience significant difficulty breathing
- Your symptoms worsen after initially improving
- Your child has severe or prolonged symptoms
- You have a compromised immune system or a chronic illness
Some symptoms that seem like a summer cold can occasionally signal something more serious, such as early signs of diabetes or even chest pain related conditions. If you are unsure about your symptoms, err on the side of caution – pain related professional advice.
It is also worth noting that the headache and dizziness from a summer cold can occasionally be mistaken for a migraine. If your head pain is severe, one sided, or accompanied by visual disturbances, a migraine rather than a cold may be the cause.
Still unsure what's causing your symptoms?
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do summer cold symptoms last?
Most summer colds clear up within seven to fourteen days. Digestive symptoms often resolve faster, within two to four days, while respiratory symptoms like a cough may linger slightly longer.
Can you get a cold in hot weather?
Yes, absolutely. Enteroviruses, which cause the majority of summer colds, thrive in warm, humid conditions. You can catch a summer cold from an infected person through respiratory droplets or contaminated surfaces, regardless of the outdoor temperature.
How is a summer cold different from a winter cold?
The main difference is the virus involved. Winter colds are predominantly caused by rhinoviruses, while summer colds are usually caused by enteroviruses. Enteroviruses can also cause gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea and diarrhoea, which are less common with winter colds.
Can summer cold symptoms be a sign of COVID 19?
Yes, some symptoms overlap significantly. A notable distinction is that COVID 19 often causes a direct loss of taste and smell unrelated to congestion, as well as more severe shortness of breath. Get tested for COVID 19 whenever you experience upper respiratory symptoms.
What is the fastest way to recover from a summer cold?
Rest, hydration, and symptom management are the most effective strategies. Drink plenty of fluids, use saline sprays for congestion, take acetaminophen for fever, and allow your body time to fight the infection. Avoid overexerting yourself, especially in the heat.
Are summer colds contagious?
Yes, summer colds are highly contagious. They spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes and through contact with contaminated surfaces. You are most contagious in the first two to three days of showing symptoms.
How do I know if my child has a summer cold or something more serious?
Seek medical attention if your child has difficulty breathing, a high or persistent fever, refuses to eat or drink, or appears unusually lethargic. Children with RSV or severe enteroviral infections may need professional evaluation.
Can summer colds cause ear pain?
Yes. Congestion from a summer cold can build up pressure in the sinuses and Eustachian tubes, leading to a feeling of fullness or pain in the ears. This typically resolves as the cold clears, but persistent ear pain should be checked by a doctor.
What foods should I avoid during a summer cold?
Avoid dairy products if you are congested, as they can thicken mucus. Stay away from greasy, spicy, or heavy foods if you have stomach symptoms. Stick to the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) for digestive upset and focus on hydrating foods and liquids.
Do antibiotic medications help with a summer cold?
No. Antibiotics are only effective against bacterial infections, not viral ones. Summer colds are caused by viruses, so antibiotics will not speed up your recovery and may contribute to antibiotic resistance. Rest, fluids, and supportive care are the correct approach.
