Summer cold: Why do people get sick?
Doctor explained why people get the flu even in summer (photo: Freepik)
Although the flu is usually associated with winter, many people unexpectedly come down with the illness during the peak of summer. Why is it possible to get infected with the virus even in hot weather? Ukrainian pediatrician Daria Vlasenko answers this question on her Instagram.
Why people get sick even in the heat
During the warm season, sudden symptoms such as a runny nose and others indicating a viral infection can occur:
- runny nose
- sore throat
- sneezing
- body aches
- cough
- fatigue
- headache
- fever
Enteroviruses, rotaviruses, and adenoviruses actively circulate during hot weather. Summer infections often present as digestive issues, rashes, and nasal congestion.
More than 200 viruses can cause cold symptoms, and different ones become active in different seasons throughout the year. After rhinoviruses, enteroviruses, which typically spread in warm weather, are the second most common cause of colds.
Like rhinoviruses, enteroviruses can spread through respiratory droplets, such as saliva or mucus, from an infected person who is coughing or sneezing, or through contaminated surfaces.
Viruses have a protein shell (capsid) that protects their genetic material. Some are also covered with a lipid (fat) envelope.
It is the enveloped viruses (flu, RSV) that are sensitive to heat and dryness, which is why they are more active in winter. In contrast, non-enveloped viruses (like enteroviruses) are more resistant to high temperatures and spread in the summer.
Similar to winter colds, summer colds can last from 7 to 10 days, depending on a person's overall health and immune system.
Regardless of the season, viruses that cause cold symptoms are contagious. They are transmitted through tiny airborne droplets released from a person's nose and mouth during sneezing, coughing, or talking.
How to distinguish a summer cold from the flu, allergies, and COVID-19
According to the doctor, it is not always easy to distinguish a cold from allergies or the flu. It is best to stay home and avoid contact with others when you are sick, and also to get tested for COVID-19 and the flu.
Travel and large gatherings increase the chances of catching an infection. Airports, hotels, swimming pools, and playgrounds are all hotspots for the exchange of microorganisms.
It is also important to note that excessive sun exposure depletes the immune system and increases susceptibility to infections.
Going from +32°C outside to an air-conditioned room at +22°C causes stress for the body.
Studies show that temperature changes greater than 7°C increase the risk of respiratory infections by 35%.
Air conditioners are not only a source of cold but also of bacteria. If not properly maintained, filters accumulate microbes that can cause pneumonia and bronchitis. Never direct airflow from an air conditioner to a child.
Treatment for a cold
There are no effective antiviral medications for the common cold, but there are ways to ease symptoms:
- rest and sleep
- drinking plenty of fluids
- taking acetaminophen, such as Panadol, for headaches or fever
- gargling with warm salt water or using throat sprays or lozenges for sore throat
Earlier, we named 4 things you should do after recovering from the flu.
This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.
