Why do you always get a cold on vacation?
Why one gets a cold during vacation can have different causes. On the one hand, one is often exposed to air conditioning during the trip, which on the one hand impairs the immune system due to the changing climate. On the other hand the pathogens can circulate well in the air-conditioned air.
Especially when travelling by plane, one is also in close contact with many other people. In this environment, pathogens can then easily be passed on. If a journey takes place in a different climate, this can also contribute to the development of a cold.
The body must first get used to the new climate and the immune system can be weakened for a short time. Thus, pathogens can spread well and lead to a cold. Also the sudden relaxation from stressful everyday life can contribute to the development of a cold.
During periods of stress, the body constantly releases hormones that also strengthen the immune system. If the stress disappears, the level of stress hormones drops and the immune system suddenly no longer works as effectively. Air conditioning systems cause a constant change between warm and cold air, especially in summer. These sudden changes can influence the immune system in such a way that it becomes more susceptible to a cold in summer. In addition, the pathogens can spread very well in the air-conditioned air, and by rarely ventilating these rooms they remain there for a relatively long time.
Is there a summer flu even without a cold?
The term summer flu is possibly misleading. A real flu is caused by influenza viruses and can be a very serious and protracted illness. A summer flu refers to a flu-like infection that occurs in summer. Contrary to the generally prevailing opinion, the cold season is not necessarily the cause of a cold and it is also possible to contract a viral infection in summer.
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