You're only supposed to get cold in the winter, right? Too bad viruses can't tell the difference between seasons.
It seems terribly unfair to down with the runny nose, scratchy throat, watery eyes, and body aches of a cold in the warmth of the summer. And it is, at least statistically. Colds do occur more commonly in the winter. But cold temperatures don't cause a cold - viruses do.
"The real question is, why wouldn't people get colds in the summer?" says Dr. James Steckelberg, infectious disease specialist at Mayo Clinic in Rochester , Minnesota . "There are hundreds of viruses, and some are more common in the summer. Symptoms tend to be the same in the summer as the winter."
If you've got those summer bugs, these tips will help you feel less miserable.
PUSH THE FLUIDS
Your body needs lots of liquids when you have a cold. Take advantage of seasonal fruits that have high water content, such as peaches (87 percent water) or watermelon (97 percent). Lemonade is high in vitamin C, so mix yourself a fresh batch. Or whip up a nonalcoholic Bloody Mary, going heavy on the Tabasco sauce to clear your sinuses.
FEEL THE HEAT
Turn off the air conditioning; it may irritate your breathing passages. Then take a short nap outside in the hammock or on the deck. Not only will this help you rest and de-stress, the heat soothes those aches and pains. "A catnap in the sun - not during peak hours - will feel good and may give your immune system a boost," says Dr. Brent Bauer, medical editor of the Mayo Clinic Book of Alternative Medicine.
GO OUTDOORS
Moderate activity and fresh air often ease those aches and pains. Don't overdo it, though. A short walk or a slow bicycle ride is plenty. If you feel up to it, an easy swim in warm water is another good option.
ADD A SUMMER TWIST TO CHICKEN SOUP
This time-tested home remedy is actually backed by evidence. Chicken soup really does fight inflammation. So crack open a can of your favorite chicken soup and add some summertime spices to it to boost its healing power. Try any combination of chopped cilantro, grated fresh ginger, a clove of fresh crushed garlic, a squeeze of lime juice, and half a minced jalapeno.
By Michelle Kalkhoff
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