Summer Cold or Seasonal Allergies?

It is typical for people to associate the winter months with catching the common cold. However, summer presents many conditions and situations that make it easy to catch a cold virus. The symptoms such as sneezing, sniffling, and fatigue are all the more frustrating during the summer months, when people would prefer to be outside enjoying the warm weather. We have some tips for avoiding summertime sickness.

Catching a cold virus in the summer is made easier by the fact that people tend to be more active this time of year, especially out in the heat. Possible fatigue and dehydration resulting from this activity can weaken the immune system and make symptoms of a cold worse. Additionally, travel is much more common in the summer. Travel on airplanes can expose people to the cold virus as they fly with hundreds of others who could be sources of the virus.

However, many are prone to seasonal allergies in the summer and may mistake allergy symptoms for a cold. There are two easy ways to tell the difference. First, a cold’s symptoms typically appear one at a time and last around ten days. Allergy symptoms typically manifest all at once. Second, while both produce nasal discharge, a cold will produce yellow discharge and allergies usually produce clear, watery discharge. As always, if you have questions about your symptoms or are concerned about them, consult your physician.

The treatment for the summer cold is the same as for a winter cold. Despite the fact that people want to return to their summer activities as quickly as possible, it is recommended that you rest as much as possible. Additionally, be sure to drink plenty of fluids. For any questions or for other treatment considerations, contact your physician.

 


 

Medical Information Disclaimer

The health-related information and linkages to other sites on the Josefs Pharmacy website is meant for basic informational purposes only. Josefs Pharmacy website is NOT designed or intended to provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion, treatment, services, or substitute for a doctor’s appointment or medical care. Due to the ever changing nature of medical information, information on this site or linkages to other sites should NOT be considered current or exhaustive or be relied on for any recommendation.  Josefs Pharmacy does not recommend or endorse any products or services or information provided on linked websites.  The linked websites may have graphics or content you find offensive: Josefs Pharmacy, its affiliates, and vendors, have no control over such content and accept no responsibility for such materials.  Josefs Pharmacy is NOT liable for any advice, information, products, or services you obtain through this site.

Users of this website are advised to consult with their physician before making any decisions concerning their health. IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CALL 911 OR YOUR PHYSICIAN