How to Prevent a Cold in the Summer

Information provided by Dr. Linda Dahl, Board Certified Otolaryngologist and ENT

Wednesday, June 14th 2011

Did you know that you can catch a cold, even in the summer? Experts note that even though summer colds are four times less likely to occur than winter colds, many people still get frequent summer colds.

What causes summer colds?

Possible sources of a cold in the summer include:

Summer can mean increased travel, and airplanes are notorious for spreading illness. When flying we breathe re-circulated air. If one person is sick, the virus can spread throughout the plane and infect many other passengers.
During the warm summer months, people leave air conditioners on. This can dry out mucosal membranes, making sinus lining more susceptible to infection.
The filters inside air conditioners can accumulate mold, which can get in the air and cause an inflammatory reaction.

What are the differences between colds and allergies?

Don't confuse a summer cold with seasonal allergies! Both can start out the same way and exhibit similar symptoms, but there are many cold and allergy differences, including:

Viruses only last 3-5 days, rarely as long as 10 days.
Seasonal allergies usually last longer, as long as you are exposed to allergens.
Viruses tend to make you feel more achy and exhausted compared to allergies.

Tips for avoiding a cold in the summer

During the summer we may not believe we're sick, so we are less likely to take days off and rest. When you begin to experience signs of a cold or have symptoms like congestion, get a lot of rest, increase fluid intake and avoid irritants such as smoke and air pollutants and use Waterpik^® SinuSense^™ sinus rinse to help wash away bacteria and debris.

Sinus rinse benefits

Whether a summer cold or an allergy, with the first tickle in the throat, saline rinses can remove the offending particles, allergens, viruses or bacteria, and prevent them from causing an inflammatory reaction and making you feel sicker. Waterpik^® SinuSense^™ sinus rinse products are comfortable for use in children and adults.

For those who must travel or who suffer from allergies, daily sinus rinses are very helpful in keeping your sinuses clean and healthy and reducing the overall frequency and duration of illness. You also feel a lot better, just in time to enjoy everything summer has to offer!