Therapy

A cold in summer does not need to be treated with medication. The body’s own immune system manages to fight the viruses effectively with a little time. There is no medication that works directly against these viruses and it does not make sense.

However, it is still possible to take measures that support the immune system in fighting the viruses. On the one hand, sufficient rest and sleep are important so that the immune system can work efficiently. On the other hand, especially in case of fever, a good amount of drinking should be ensured.

The liquid also helps to liquefy the mucus in the paranasal sinuses and throat region so that it can drain away more easily. In the case of summer flu, the symptoms can be treated first and foremost to make the disease more bearable. However, this does not affect the duration of the disease.

Nasal sprays to reduce swelling of the nasal mucosa can provide relief, but should be used very carefully to avoid habituation. The nasal spray should be used for a maximum of 7 days. There are some mucosal decongestant drugs on the market, many of them herbal, which produce an improvement in well-being.

Common painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be used against headache and aching limbs. Paracetamol is also a good fever reducer, should this occur. Some manufacturers also offer combination products that contain several active ingredients and promise comprehensive relief.

It must be clear, however, that a cocktail of active ingredients can also have more side effects than just a single active ingredient. For sore throats, simple lollipops can help to keep the throat region constantly moisturized.There are also lozenges that have an anti-inflammatory effect or an anaesthetic for the neck region, which relieves pain. Such additional medications should only be taken in the acute phase, prolonged use should be avoided.

If the disease has not yet improved after one week and a greenish-yellow sputum is produced when coughing, a doctor must be consulted, as it may be a bacterial infection and in severe cases antibiotic therapy must be initiated. In general, if you have a cold, you should always make sure that you drink a good amount of water and have enough rest. If the sinuses are involved, inhaling saline solution or water mixed with thyme is recommended.

Inhaling the hot water vapor dissolves the solid mucus and helps to reduce the pressure on the sinuses and thus also the headaches. In case of sore throat, a pleasant warmth can be brought to this area by means of potato wrapping. Calf compresses can help against fever.

In this case, however, care should be taken to ensure that the effect is not too long and that there are appropriate breaks so that the circulation is not impaired by the cold application. A good homeopathic remedy for a cold in summer is Ferrum phosphoricum. It supports the immune system and is effective for colds with weakness and fever.

Ferrum phosphoricum is taken hourly during the acute phase. In the course of the cold the dose may be reduced. When using homeopathic remedies, either a certain amount of experience should be available or a consultation with a family doctor should be made beforehand.

This doctor can then also estimate the best potency and duration of intake. A summer flu is caused by viruses, antibiotics generally do not help against viruses. Antibiotics work on bacteria, these are prevented by antibiotics from dividing and growing or their outer shell is destroyed. Since viruses do not have their own reproduction mechanisms or cell walls, antibiotics cannot harm them.