Introduction:
It's a cruel irony of nature – just when you're ready to soak up the sun and enjoy the great outdoors, a summer cold can strike. While we typically associate colds with frigid winter days, the truth is that viruses don't take vacations, and summer colds are more common than you might think.
Dealing with a stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough is never pleasant, but battling these symptoms in the sweltering heat can feel unbearable. The good news is that there are ways to find relief and even potentially shorten the duration of your summer cold.
Stay Hydrated - Inside and Out
One of the most important things you can do when you have a cold, regardless of the weather, is to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of fluids helps to thin the mucus, making it easier to expel. Water is your best bet, but you can also sip on broth, herbal teas, and even diluted fruit juice for flavor variation.
In hot weather, it's especially crucial to pay attention to your hydration levels. Sweating, combined with a fever (a common cold symptom), can quickly lead to dehydration. Consider these tips:
- Carry a reusable water bottle: Keep it filled and with you throughout the day as a visual reminder to take sips.
- Set reminders on your phone: It's easy to forget to drink when you're busy, so set hourly reminders to prompt you.
- Add electrolytes: If you're sweating a lot or experiencing diarrhea (another possible cold symptom), replenish electrolytes with sports drinks or electrolyte tablets.
Keep Cool
While it may seem counterintuitive, avoiding extreme heat can help your body fight off the cold virus more effectively. High temperatures can exacerbate congestion and make it harder for your body to regulate its own temperature, especially if you have a fever.
- Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day: If possible, limit your time outside between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun's rays are strongest.
- Take cool showers or baths: A lukewarm shower or bath can help to lower your body temperature and provide temporary relief from congestion.
- Use a humidifier: Hot, dry air can irritate nasal passages. A cool-mist humidifier can add moisture to the air and ease congestion.
