How to Beat a Summer Cold
These Tips Will Help You Fight Off a Summer Cold
It can be so annoying to be hit with a cold in the Summer. Didn't Winter finally coming to an end mean we were past this? Getting a Summer cold can feel extra lame because unlike during the Winter, when you're perfectly happy to hunker down indoors, Summer is when you want to be out and about as much as you can. Getting a cold in the Summer might also make you feel guilty when you end up calling in sick to your boss, but according to Healthline, it's just as easy to catch one this time of year as it is during the traditional cold and flu season. Here are some tips and tricks to prevent a Summer cold, or alleviate your symptoms when it's already too late.
Stay Hydrated
Make sure that you're drinking more water than anything else not just in the Summer, but throughout the year. Keep dehydrating drinks such as alcohol, coffee, and energy drinks to a minimum. And if a cold does strike, try drinking hot tea to soothe your symptoms.
Rest Up and Get Enough Sleep
Always easier said than done, right? The fact that sleep deprivation challenges the immune system is nothing new. Take advantage of getting plenty of rest and sleep whenever you can this Summer, especially when spending extended periods of time outdoors.
Sleep With a Humifier
When it comes to staying indoors or outdoors during a Summer cold, you might find yourself in a bit of a lose-lose situation. On the one hand, continuing to keep busy with outdoor activities could further exacerbate fatigue and dehydration, and being stuck inside with an air conditioner blasting may lead to dryness and irritation in the nose. While it won't get rid of your cold, a humidifier can help to alleviate symptoms such as runny nose, congestion, coughing, and sore throat.
Wash Your Hands Frequently and Avoid Spending Time With People Who Are Sick
Don't be that person. I get so annoyed when I arrive to meet someone for a run or lunch and they warn me to not get close because they're sick. If it's too late, be sure to have hand sanitiser on hand, or duck into the toilets ASAP to wash your hands.
Take Over-the-Counter Medications
Medicines like Sudafed and zinc lozenges won't completely eliminate your cold, but they will bring you some relief and help it clear up sooner.
Eat Healthfully
Eating a nutritious diet with immunity-boosting foods can only help to prevent a Summer cold. Examples to keep in rotation include antioxidant- and zinc-rich foods such as blueberries, ginger, broccoli, and citrus fruits.
Finally, Should You Work Out When You Have a Cold?
According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise is usually fine if your symptoms are all "above the neck," as they are with a cold, and working out may even help you feel better by opening your nasal passages and temporarily relieving nasal congestion. Just be sure to reduce the intensity and length of your workout and stop or back off if you start feeling worse. Don't forget to also use your judgement and exercise in an area where you can keep your distance from other people.
