Many people also suffer from an influenza infection or a cold in summer. Causes of the so-called summer flu are the same as for an illness in winter: It is an infection with viruses. However, there are certain triggers that favor the development of such a summer flu, especially in the warm season. What helps against the infection? We point out typical symptoms of summer flu, give tips on how to treat summer flu and explain how to avoid summer flu.
Summer flu or summer cold?
Even though the term flu is often colloquially equated with a cold, a “real” flu is strictly speaking a distinctly serious illness. The flu is triggered by influenza viruses, which are very sensitive to temperature. Therefore, the flu season is traditionally during the cold season. A cold, on the other hand, is also known as a flu-like infection or (in technical terms) as an acute respiratory infection. Triggers are also viruses, many of which, similar to the influenza virus, tend to occur in winter. However, even in summer there are some pathogens that can trigger a cold. These include parainfluenza viruses, rhinoviruses and various (rather harmless) viruses from the coronavirus family. Nevertheless, the term “summer flu” is so common in the vernacular that it will be used below.
Causes and triggers of a “flu” in summer
Studies have shown that for over 90 percent of the population, summer flu is a consequence of our own behavior. That means how we behave can help promote the summer flu bug. The cause of summer flu is easily explained: For example, if a heated, sweaty body is increasingly exposed to drafts in the summer – through air conditioning, a fan, open car windows, or in airplanes or trains – the mucous membranes dry out. As a result, they can no longer properly fulfill their function as a “protective shield” against invading pathogens, which promotes the development of summer flu. Drinks that are too cold can also dry out the mucous membranes. Other triggers can be insufficient fluid intake, long sunbathing sessions (sometimes even in conjunction with sunburn), or cooling down the body through cool baths or wet clothing (for example, sweaty clothes or wet swimwear). The immune system is weakened, with the result that it is more susceptible to viruses. Remember that viruses are very contagious and can spread quickly in large crowds. Therefore, avoid large crowds whenever possible and remember to wash your hands regularly. Also, be careful not to infect others by, for example, coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the crook of your arm rather than your hands.
Symptoms of summer flu: fever and scratchy throat
The typical summer flu announces itself – just like a cold in winter – by symptoms such as a dry scratchy feeling in the throat, a runny nose, headache as well as fatigue. Often there are signs of summer flu in addition to a cold:
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Earache
- Pain in the limbs
- Chills
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain or diarrhea
Viruses easily infect all mucous membranes in the body. You feel sick and flabby, so you would rather spend the summer at home in bed than on the lawn in the swimming pool.
Summer flu or COVID-19?
Due to the current coronavirus pandemic caused by the pathogen SARS-CoV-2, many who show signs of a cold in the summer fear getting sick with COVID-19. Learn how to distinguish the symptoms of the two illnesses in this article.
How long does a summer cold last?
Usually, summer flu is over after lasting only a few days. Therefore, as a rule, summer flu is not considered dangerous. Nevertheless, it should by no means be underestimated.
Treatment of a summer flu: what to do?
What is the best treatment for a summer flu? Even if the weather is good and tempting, a summer flu must be properly cured. Once it has caught you, the same applies to treatment as in the cold season: do not overtax your body too soon. Allow it rest and sleep, as this is what it needs most now.Sports or other exertion, such as intense heat, are not conducive to therapy. The best thing to do with summer flu is to act quickly as soon as the first symptoms appear. A salt rinse of the nose is very suitable. This soothes the mucous membranes and disinfects due to the high salt content. A nasal spray with seawater can also help to moisten the mucous membranes. As with the winter cold, vitamins are very helpful in strengthening the immune system and getting rid of the summer flu as quickly as possible. These include, above all, vitamin C, zinc as well as magnesium. You should also drink a lot, preferably tea, juices and mineral water – but no drinks that are too cold. The best tips against cold symptoms
What home remedies help with summer flu?
The following home remedies can provide relief from summer flu:
- Very positive effects are attributed to the ginger root, which causes a strengthening of the defenses. For this, pour four to five slices of ginger with boiling water. Drink this as a tea.
- Anti-inflammatory effect chamomile tea as well as sage tea – best as a gargle solution.
- Fever can be treated well with calf wraps or by a sweating cure with elderflower tea or lime blossom tea.
Regardless of helping home remedies for summer flu, the following applies: the body needs rest to cure the flu.
8 Tips to avoid a summer flu.
The following tips can help prevent summer flu:
- Do not quench thirst with ice-cold drinks that come directly from the refrigerator.
- Drink at least two to three liters per day.
- Avoid drafts and air conditioning set very cool.
- Avoid too much sun. This weakens the defenses.
- Wet or sweaty clothes do not wear too long.
- Exercise in the fresh air is highly recommended. This gives the body the opportunity to replenish vitamin D stores.
- Exercise regularly to stay fit. This strengthens the immune system.
- Pay attention to a healthy diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Much vitamin C is contained in apples, kiwis, grapefruit as well as peppers.