Health: Catching a Cold in the Summer: How to Avoid Risks

Society | June 6, 2003, Friday // 00:00

We usually associate colds with dark cold winter days. But we can still fall foul of the common cold viruses in the height of summer. Worse still, the sore throat and headache that herald the start of a cold often start just as we have arrived at our summer holiday destination and are ready for a well deserved break in the sunshine.

Although the chance of getting a cold in summer is only 1 in 4 compared to winter there are some special factors that may increase the risk.

Air conditioning may contribute to infection with common cold viruses. Air conditioners may cause some drying of the protective mucous blanket in the nose and predispose to infection. The cold air may also help viruses to establish a hold in the nose.

Many psychologists also classify holidays as a major source of stress which can lower our resistance to infection by depressing the immune response. Travel to foreign countries can also increase the risk of viral infection.

Colds spread in crowded indoor areas so if you can avoid the crowds and spend more time on the beach or in the countryside then you will reduce the risk of infection. Colds are also spread by contaminated surfaces such as door handles, telephone and slot machines. When we touch the surface we pick up the virus and transfer infection to our nose or eye surface.

We cannot avoid touching contaminated surfaces in public transport and crowded areas, but it is good sense to wash our hands when we sit down to eat or relax. Many other viruses are also spread by finger contact. This simple precaution could also help prevent infection from the many enter viruses which cause the upset tummy often associated with summer travel.

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