Summer cold? These home remedies will help you deal with it

Down with a summer cold? If so, it is not uncommon in summer. Here's what it is and effective home remedies to deal with it.
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Yes, you can catch cold in summer as well. Image courtesy: Shutterstock
Aayushi Gupta Published: 13 May 2022, 15:30 pm IST
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When you get a cold, the first thing that comes to mind is that it is caused by the cold weather. But what if you develop a cold when the weather is hot? While the winter season typically brings along coughs and sneezes, summer colds are more common than you can imagine. If you’re suddenly suffering from a runny nose, cough, or throat pain this season, don’t panic! We’ve got expert-backed home remedies that can help.

What causes summer colds?

A summer cold may sound weird and strange but many people catch it and suffer from symptoms during the hot weather. Regardless of when you catch a cold, the cause is always a virus or infection that can happen in any season. Apart from this, seasonal allergies are also responsible for getting cold in the summer season.

summer cold
Cure it with home remedies. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

Symptoms of summer cold

  • Sneezing
  • Body ache
  • Coughing
  • Runny nose
  • Sore throat
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Chest pressure
  • Fatigue
  • Watery eyes

If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s an alarm. You must get yourself diagnosed because there’s only a thin line these days between common cold and Covid-19. So to help you, Health Shots spoke to Dr Bhumireddy Shilpa Naidu, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road, Bengaluru, to suggest some best home remedies.

Dr Naidu says, “Cold during summer is not rare nowadays. Most often summer colds are caused by a virus (Enterovirus). It is contagious and can travel in mucus, saliva, and stool of sick people.”

Here are home remedies to cure summer cold:

1. Take rest

Cold and cough can weaken and exhaust you by compromising your immune system. To battle viral infections and strengthen your immunity, you must get enough rest and sleep. Don’t overwork yourself by doing rigorous workouts or exercises. This can put your immunity to the test and worsen your condition.

summer cold
Don’t underestimate the power of good sleep! Image courtesy: Shutterstock

2. Stay hydrated

Apart from getting enough rest, make sure you stay hydrated by consuming plenty of water or energy boosting drinks. Try orange juice, which is high in vitamin C and can help your immune system to stay strong, but stay away from dehydrating liquids such as tea, alcohol, and coffee. Keeping yourself hydrated can help thin mucus and make it easier to evacuate.

3. Increase vitamin C intake

As you probably already know, vitamin C is an immune booster. It strengthens your immune system and helps it fight bacteria and germs, contributing to your immune system’s protection. Essential vitamin and mineral supplementation should be done on a regular basis. Add iron and zinc to your diet to fight disease and stay healthy.

4. Try herb and spices

Yes, antioxidant-rich herbs and spices such as garlic, lemon, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon pepper can help increase immunity. These herbs and spices can also assist to relieve a sore throat, decongest the body, and make you feel better in general. You can include them in your daily diet to help you heal faster.

summer cold
Don’t underestimate the power of herbs. Image courtesy: Shutterstock

5. Humidifiers/steam

Humidifiers can keep your nasal passage moist and moisturized, preventing it from drying out and becoming scratchy, especially after a cold. To get rid of a cold or cough, you can also take steam. Take steam at least three times a day, every day. You can also keep your body warm by taking a warm bath or shower.

Moreover, keep these tips in mind:

  • Keep a physical distance from others
  • Stay away from infected people
  • Wash your hands regularly
  • Use damp wipes to clean nose
  • Try saline nasal spray
  • Drink honey and ginger water

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About the Author

Aayushi Gupta is a health writer with a special interest in trends related to diet, fitness, beauty and intimate health. With around 2 years of experience in the wellness industry, she is connected to leading experts and doctors to provide our readers with factually correct information. ...Read More

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