A summer cold is an illness caused by a virus infection located in the nose and leads to symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, headache, fever, etc. which are a result of the body’s response to the infection. Does that sounds an awful lot like the winter cold? That’s because they are the same thing! The only difference is the season that it occurs in.

Why differentiate between summer and winter colds?

• Winter colds tend to occur more frequently, so when you get a summer cold you take notice.
• In the winter it’s easier to snuggle up in bed with some chicken soup and relax and recover. In the summer you want to be doing all your activities, going on vacation, and playing outdoors. So a cold can really get in your way.
• People often think winter weather causes more colds, so they are somewhat surprised when they catch a summer cold. This is a myth, there are other factors at play which lead to more colds in the winter.

Who is more likely to catch a summer cold?

• People traveling via commercial airplanes — Close contact with hundreds of potentially contaminated people can increase your likelihood of catching a cold. Also traveling to foreign countries can expose you to new viruses that your body isn’t immune to yet.
• People with allergies — The mucous lining of your nose has already been disrupted so it is predisposed to infection.
• People in an air conditioned environment — Air conditioning units cool the air and remove moisture from it as well. This dries out the protective mucus lining of the nose and keeps it cold. Both those conditions make it more likely to have a virus take hold.

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Once the cold virus enters the adenoid area (a lymph gland) it attaches to cells that are found there. Once the virus is taken inside the cell, it begins to start an infection and produce more virus particles. The infected cell eventually dies and ruptures, releasing newly made cold virus to infect other cells in the nose and start the process over again. From the time a cold virus enters the nose, it takes 8-12 hours for the viral reproductive cycle to be completed and for new cold virus to be released in nasal secretions.

Cold symptoms occur due to the body’s response to the infection. Around the same time the cold virus is released in nasal secretions, the body responds by activating parts of the immune system and some nervous system reflexes. These triggers cause the typical cold symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, etc.

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• Limit contact with people who are infected with the cold virus (especially during the first three days of their sickness)
• Avoid touching your eyes and nose (the cold virus is easily passed when an infected hand touches these body parts)
• Wash your hands frequently (this is most important after you have had contact with people or items that might be contaminated)
• Use a hand sanitizer often (especially if you are unable to wash your hands immediately after potential contamination)
• Keep your body functioning at it’s highest capacity by:

• Taking a multi-vitamin daily
• Taking immune booster products
• Getting lots of rest
• Avoiding stressful situations

Cold viruses are often prevalent in places where a lot of young children gather (schools, daycares, etc.) and where many people share the use of appliances, tools, etc. (workspaces). It is a good idea to take extra precautions when you find yourself frequently in these types of environments.

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Influenza (the flu)
Each fall, you may hear advertisements or be told by your doctor to get a flu shot, especially if you fall into a high-risk group. The flu shot is similar to an immunization in that it injects you with a small amount of inactive influenza virus which is supposed to make your body more resistant to being exposed to that virus throughout the winter. Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can even lead to death. Influenza should not be confused with other illnesses such as avian flu, swine flu, canine flu, or pandemic flu.

This blog will be focusing on all aspects of the common cold and flu viruses from preventing or avoiding, to treating or managing.

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