Throughout India, colds, coughs, and throat infections are spreading rapidly, and it is shocking everyone because these diseases normally peak during winter and not in increasing heat of summer. But physicians explain that this year, it is not merely catching a simple cold. Several factors have converged to form a perfect storm for illness.
Reasons Behind the Sudden Spike in Cold and Cough
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Excessive Use of Cold Beverages & Air Conditioners
With every temperature rise, people are suddenly turning to cold drinks, cold water, and freezing air conditioners. According to doctors, these sudden shifts in body temperature can trigger throat infections, especially when your immunity is already low.
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Air Pollution and Dust
Although winter has passed, air pollution has not yet cleared. There is high dust because of dry winds and continuous construction activities in most cities. This irritates your throat and nose, and it becomes easy for infections to take root.
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Low immunity after seasonal shift
After months of consuming winter foods and reduced physical activity, most individuals have weakened immunity. The abrupt transition to warm weather also hurts the body, making people tired and prone to illness.
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Crazy weather
This year, April has not been like any other summer. In most cities, the temperature increases during the day but falls rapidly at night. And to top it off, sudden rain and cloudy skies are worsening everything. These constant fluctuations confuse your body and make your immune system weaker against viruses.
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Old viruses, new wave
Some winter viruses do not quite disappear. Since the weather remains warm and everyone comes together more for school tests, weddings, and flights, these remaining viruses are finding a second chance to infect.
Preventive Measures for Summer Cold
Here are some preventive measures to keep oneself guarded against cold and flu during summer.
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Rest and hydrate: Drink warm fluids like soups, herbal tea, and turmeric milk
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Avoid cold drinks and ice creams during recovery
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Use a mask if you’re sneezing or coughing
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Steam inhalation can help relieve blocked nose and throat irritation
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Eat immunity-boosting foods like citrus fruits, ginger, garlic, and green leafy vegetables
April isn’t a usual flu month, but the body does not always keep up with the calendar. Weather conditions, pollution, poor immunity, and active viruses all collaborate and impact our health and result in summer cold. If your cold and cough persist for five to six days or if you develop a high temperature, body pain, or breathing difficulty, do not neglect them. Consult a doctor and undergo tests to exclude severe infections such as flu or throat bacterial infections.
FAQ on Summer Cold
How do you cure a summer cold?
Summer cold can be treated through below measures:
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Drink plenty of fluids. Water, juice, clear broth or warm lemon water with honey helps loosen stuffiness, called congestion.
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Rest. Your body needs rest to heal.
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Sip warm liquids.
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Try honey.
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Add cool moisture to the air.
Why do I feel cold when the weather is hot?
Feeling cold in hot weather can be attributed to various factors, including underlying medical conditions like hypothyroidism, anemia, poor circulation, and lifestyle factors like dehydration or stress.
Why am I congested in the summer?
On hot days, when the air is dry, the mucus in your nose may become thick and sticky, blocking the sinuses and causing stuffiness and/or headaches.
How long do summer colds last?
If you get a summer cold, take heart in the fact that the common cold tends to resolve within 10 days, with symptoms peaking around the seventh day.
How to get rid of summer cough?
Humidifiers and steamers help relieve symptoms like runny nose, congestion, sore throat, and coughing. They also lower dryness and lessen coughing.
This article is meant for informational purposes only and must not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
