Coughs, runny noses and sore throats can also occur in summer. Summer flu is usually to blame. Why the name is misleading, which factors increase the risk and which home remedies and tips help!
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quick overview
Definition: A summer flu is not a real flu, but a summer cold. Enteroviruses are the most common triggers.
Symptoms: Summer flu is characterized by typical cold symptoms such as a sore throat, runny nose or hoarseness. In addition, sometimes gastrointestinal problems can occur.
Risk Factors: Air conditioning and drafts can dry out the mucous membranes. Wet swimwear can cool down the body and make the body more susceptible to infections.
Article content at a glance:
The best home remedies for common cold
What is summer flu?
The summer flu is not a real flu caused by influenza viruses. It is a flu-like infection, i.e. a cold. However, while rhinoviruses are mostly responsible for symptoms such as a runny nose, cough and hoarseness in the winter months, summer flu is usually triggered by enteroviruses, especially coxsackie and echoviruses. These viruses are particularly adapted to high temperatures.
Infection usually occurs through droplet infection, for example when the pathogens become airborne when coughing or sneezing and are then inhaled. The viruses can also be transmitted via contaminated objects (smear infection).
What factors favor summer flu?
Respiratory diseases are more common in winter because the low temperatures weaken the immune system. But even in summer there are factors that can impair the body’s defenses:
Air conditioners: Air-conditioned air in cars, hotel rooms or in supermarkets contains less moisture and dries out the mucous membranes. This makes it easier for cold viruses to settle in the nasal mucosa or throat.
draft: Like air conditioning, direct drafts, for example from an open car window, can also affect the mucous membranes.
Sweaty or wet swimwear: Damp clothing draws heat away from the body as it dries, which can easily lead to hypothermia.
Extensive sunbathing: Exposing the body to intense UV radiation weakens the immune system (immunosuppression).
Close contact with many people: Whether in the beer garden, in the swimming pool or at a concert – in summer you are more often together with many people in a small space. And even if the risk of infection is lower outdoors than indoors, you can also become infected outdoors.
Symptoms of a summer cold
The summer flu is similar to a cold in winter and is therefore usually mild. Typical symptoms are:
- sore throat and sore throat
- Cough
- a runny or stuffy nose
- exhaustion
- headache and body aches
- sometimes slight fever (up to 38 degrees Celsius)
Compared to rhinoviruses, which are responsible for most colds in the winter months, enteroviruses often also affect the gastrointestinal tract, which is why symptoms such as diarrhea or vomiting often occur in summer flu.
The symptoms of a summer flu are often similar to those of a corona infection. It is therefore advisable to do a self-test.
Cold or Corona: How do the symptoms differ?
How long does summer flu last?
A summer infection lasts as long as a cold in winter: Three to four days after infection, the first symptoms become noticeable if the immune system is weak.
The symptoms of a summer flu develop slowly. The acute phase is usually over after about three days. Overall, the infection lasts about a week.
Important:
If the symptoms persist for more than two weeks, if there is a fever of over 39 degrees Celsius or if other symptoms such as chest pain or a stiff neck occur, those affected should definitely consult a doctor.
Get rid of summer flu quickly: what helps?
Anyone who has caught a summer flu should recover for a few days and give their body plenty of sleep and rest. Sufficient fluid intake is also important. Water, cold teas or juice spritzers, for example, are suitable. It is recommended to drink about two liters.
Individual complaints such as a sore throat or cough can often be relieved with cold preparations from the pharmacy, decongestant nasal sprays can make breathing easier for a blocked nose.
Alternatively, home remedies can also be used for a summer cold. For example, gargling with salt water has proven itself for a sore throat, and steam inhalation can have a beneficial effect on a blocked nose.
Prevent summer flu: helpful tips
These rules of conduct can help to prevent a cold in summer:
pay attention to hygiene: To protect yourself from the summer flu virus, you should wash your hands regularly and thoroughly (with soap and lukewarm water for about 30 seconds) and avoid touching your face unnecessarily. To protect others from infection, sneeze and cough into the crook of your arm.
Avoid cooling down: After swimming or showering, change your bathing suit and blow-dry your hair or let it dry at warm temperatures. Incidentally, even very cold drinks with egg cubes can put a strain on the organism.
avoid intense heat: Very high temperatures put a strain on the immune system. Therefore, long sunbaths should be avoided. In addition, it is advisable to do sports in the early morning or in the evening when it is a bit cooler in midsummer.
In general, a healthy lifestyle also helps to avoid a cold in summer. That means: little stress, enough sleep and a balanced diet rich in vitamins.
Preventing a cold: Tips for a strong defense
