When the warm weather hits, most people hope to say goodbye to sickness for a while. Sadly, though, the sun doesn’t chase away all the contagious illnesses. Colds still make their rounds in the summer, often when we least expect it.
Sumaiya Islam, M.D., a family medicine physician at Henry Ford Health, explains why we get summer colds and the best ways to prevent and treat them.
Why Do I Have A Summer Cold?
Cold and flu season is behind us, and you’re spending more time outdoors. Still, you come down with a cold. What gives?
“Different viruses circulate at different times of the year,” explains Dr. Islam. “In the winter, rhinoviruses typically cause the common cold. But when summer comes, non-polio enteroviruses become the primary cold virus.”
Even if you’ve had a summer cold a few times, you’re not immune to getting one again. “There are more than 200 different strains of non-polio enteroviruses,” Dr. Islam says. “When your body encounters an unfamiliar strain, you can get sick again.”
Symptoms of non-polio enterovirus infection
If you catch a non-polio enterovirus, your symptoms may include:
- Body aches
- Cough
- Fever
- Runny nose and sneezing
Summer colds can bring another unpleasant surprise: nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. “Non-polio enteroviruses can infect your digestive tract and make you sick to your stomach,” explains Dr. Islam. “Usually, though, the symptoms are milder than norovirus, which is a wintertime stomach virus people often call the ‘stomach flu.’”
Finally, non-polio enterovirus can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye) and hand, foot and mouth disease. Children—especially those who attend daycare—are more likely to get these illnesses.
How To Prevent A Summer Cold
Non-polio enteroviruses lurk at common summer activities like barbecues, parks and swimming pools. They spread through fecal matter, nasal secretions, saliva and skin blisters. “You can get these viruses by being around someone who is sick, touching a contaminated surface or swimming in a pool that contains the germ,” says Dr. Islam.
To avoid getting a summer cold, take the same precautions you would take during cold and flu season, including:
- Wash up: “Washing your hands is the most important thing you can do to avoid getting sick,” says Dr. Islam. Scrub with soap and water before eating or preparing food and after using the bathroom or changing diapers.
- Don’t touch your face: “Viruses can enter your body through your eyes, nose and mouth,” explains Dr. Islam. “Avoid touching these areas unless you just washed your hands and haven’t touched anything else.”
- Keep your distance: Try to steer clear of people who have cold or flu-like symptoms. “If someone is coughing, sneezing or sniffling, they can easily spread the virus to others,” says Dr. Islam. “And the virus can continue to spread for several weeks after you feel better.”
- Sanitize surfaces: If someone in your house is sick, use sanitizing wipes on high-touch surfaces. “These viruses spread through things like coughing and sneezing, as well as fecal matter,” explains Dr. Islam. “Disinfect doorknobs, remotes, sinks and countertops frequently.”
How To Recover From Summer Illnesses
If you do catch a summer cold, you can bounce back as quickly as possible if you:
- Rest at home: “Getting rest when you’re ill is crucial,” says Dr. Islam. “Your body needs to use its energy to fight off the virus. Staying home also helps you avoid spreading the illness to others.”
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help thin mucus and move it out of your nose and throat sooner. If you have vomiting or diarrhea, consider an electrolyte drink. “Electrolyte replacement drinks hydrate you quicker than water, and have less sugar than sports drinks,” says Dr. Islam.
- Take medicines if needed: “Over-the-counter medications can give you temporary relief from fever, headache and nasal congestion,” says Dr. Islam. “If you have any health conditions, talk to your provider about which medications are safe for you.”
Do Supplements Cure Colds?
Store shelves are packed with herbs and vitamins that claim to be cold “cures.” But do supplements work?
“Evidence suggests that zinc and vitamin C can speed up your recovery when you have a cold,” says Dr. Islam. “Herbs and other vitamins don’t have any science to prove they help.”
If you decide to try vitamin C or zinc, ask your provider first. Taking high levels of vitamins can interact with your medications or have unwanted side effects.
Don’t Stress About Summer Sniffles
If you do catch a pesky summer cold, don’t panic. Most people don’t get severely ill and make a full recovery within a few days.
“Non-polio enteroviruses don’t usually cause severe illness,” says Dr. Islam. “But if you’re concerned about any of your symptoms, don’t hesitate to contact your provider. We’re here to help.”
Reviewed by Dr. Sumaiya Islam, a board-certified family medicine specialist who sees patients at Henry Ford Medical Center – Hamtramck.
