Although it is during the winter when the ideal conditions are given for the viruses that cause colds and colds to spread more easily, summer colds are no exception. The sudden changes in temperature, the air conditioners, the wet swimsuit that we do not change after the bath or the growing environmental dryness are some of the causes that can trigger them, spoiling some of our vacation days. Simple preventive measures can avoid it, but if you have already caught it, in we analyze the characteristics of a summer cold, how long it lasts and how to cure it, so that you know how to recognize its symptoms and you can take measures to overcome it as soon as possible.
Symptoms of a summer cold
The symptoms of a summer cold are very similar to those you can suffer from a cold at any other time of the year, but it is true that it can present some peculiarities related to the high temperatures of this time and even with the different lifestyle that we follow during the summer holidays (changes in our diet, baths in beach or pool …). In addition to the general malaise, which usually accompanies any viral process, among the most frequent symptoms of a summer cold are:
- Fever: although these colds are not usually accompanied by a considerable increase in body temperature, the feeling of fever is especially relevant. The normal thing is to have only a few tenths, reaching 37 ºC – 37.5 ºC, but the prevailing heat in summer makes the thermal sensation superior to us. Despite not having a high fever, chills and general warmth are common. Here you can read about How to lower fever at home.
- Cough and dry throat: light cough, without expectoration, and dry throat, with a feeling of being irritated, are also frequent symptoms. In places where dry summers predominate (with low ambient humidity) the dryness of the throat, which can even cause discomfort when swallowing, is accentuated.
- Congestion and mucus: low-density mucus is also a typical manifestation of summer colds.
- Sneezing: especially at the beginning of the cold, frequent sneezing can occur, something that can cause the symptoms to be confused with those of the allergy.
Difference between an allergy and a summer cold
It is sneezing, accompanied by rhinitis or runny nose, which makes these two pathologies can be confused, but we must remember that the cold is produced by a virus that affects the respiratory tract, while in the case of an allergy the symptoms respond to a reaction of our body against an element that it considers an allergen.
Although allergies are more frequent in spring, they can also occur in summer because the pollen of numerous species of grasses is more abundant in the summer than in what is supposed to be the flowering season, spring and also, in summer, allergies to fungi (mold) are also the most frequent.
To know if it is a summer cold or an allergy you must take into account the evolution of each process. An allergy does not give fever (unless it is associated with another pathology) and, in addition, its symptoms can become much more persistent than those of a constipation, lasting several weeks if you continue in contact with the allergen and do not receive the corresponding treatment. If your symptoms include itchy eyes or tearing, chances are you're going through an allergy episode.
Allergy can lead to respiratory discomfort, but persistent cough and sore throat are more like a summer cold.
If in your case it is allergy, here you can know some home remedies for pollen allergy.
How long a summer cold last
In general, a summer cold is a condition that is overcome within a few days with a few simple measures. The process of incubation of the virus and the development of the disease is practically the same in summer as in winter, perhaps somewhat shorter in summer although it depends on the physical condition of each person and the treatment they follow for their recovery.
Incubation of the virus develops between 2 and 3 days and usually a summer cold lasts no more than 5 or 7 days (a week at most). One or two days of slight discomfort, one or two of strong cold and two others in which the symptoms disappear progressively, is usually the normal development. It should be remembered that as a precaution, in the event of symptoms of fever, cough or sore throat, it is important to perform an antigen test to rule out the possibility of Covid-19 infection.
Here you can read more about How Long a Common Cold Lasts.
How long a summer cold last
In general, a summer cold is a condition that is overcome within a few days with a few simple measures. The process of incubation of the virus and the development of the disease is practically the same in summer as in winter, perhaps somewhat shorter in summer although it depends on the physical condition of each person and the treatment they follow for their recovery.
Incubation of the virus develops between 2 and 3 days and usually a summer cold lasts no more than 5 or 7 days (a week at most). One or two days of slight discomfort, one or two of strong cold and two others in which the symptoms disappear progressively, is usually the normal development. It should be remembered that as a precaution, in the event of symptoms of fever, cough or sore throat, it is important to perform an antigen test to rule out the possibility of Covid-19 infection.
Here you can read more about How Long a Common Cold Lasts.
