Summer Colds: Why They Happen and What Helps

In This Article

• What Causes Summer Colds?

• Summer Cold vs. Allergies: How to Tell the Difference

• How to Feel Better

• Preventing Summer Colds

• When to See a Provider

Nothing is more frustrating than getting sick when the sun is shining. But summer colds are surprisingly common and they're often caused by different viruses than the ones responsible for winter illness. The good news? Your primary care provider (PCP) can help you feel better quickly through telemedicine and virtual care, so you can get back to enjoying the season.

What Causes Summer Colds?

While winter colds are typically caused by rhinoviruses, summer colds are often caused by enteroviruses. These viruses thrive in warmer weather and can cause symptoms like sore throat, runny nose, body aches, fever, and sometimes digestive symptoms like nausea or diarrhea.

Summer colds can also spread more easily than you might think. Public pools, summer camps, air-conditioned offices, and crowded outdoor events all provide opportunities for virus transmission. Understanding how these viruses spread can help you take preventive measures, which your primary care provider (PCP) can discuss with you during a telemedicine visit.

Summer Cold vs. Allergies: How to Tell the Difference

One of the most common confusions is distinguishing between a summer cold and seasonal allergies. Both can cause sneezing, runny nose, and congestion. Here's how to tell them apart:

Duration matters.Colds typically resolve within 7-10 days, while allergies persist as long as you're exposed to the allergen. If your "cold" has lasted more than two weeks, your primary care provider (PCP) should evaluate whether allergies are actually the culprit.

Fever is a clue.Allergies rarely cause fever, while colds often do especially in the first few days. If you're running a temperature, it's more likely a viral infection.

Mucus color can help.Clear, thin mucus is more common with allergies, while thick, yellow, or green mucus often indicates an infection. Your primary care provider (PCP) can assess these symptoms through a virtual care appointment.

How to Feel Better

Rest.Your body needs energy to fight the virus. Don't push through give yourself permission to slow down, even in the middle of summer.

Hydrate.Water, herbal tea, and broths help keep you hydrated and soothe sore throats. In summer, you're already losing more fluids through sweat, so hydration is doubly important.

Manage symptoms.Over-the-counter medications can help with congestion, pain, and fever. Ask your primary care provider (PCP) what's right for you — a quick telemedicine consultation can guide you to the right products.

Skip the antibiotics.Colds are viral antibiotics won't help and can cause unnecessary side effects. Your primary care provider (PCP) will only prescribe antibiotics if they determine a bacterial infection is present.

Preventing Summer Colds

Prevention is always better than treatment. Simple habits can reduce your risk: wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, stay home when you're sick, keep commonly touched surfaces clean, and maintain a healthy immune system through sleep, nutrition, and stress management. Mobile healthcare providers and your primary care provider (PCP) can provide personalized prevention strategies during home care or virtual care visits.

When to See a Provider

Most summer colds resolve on their own within 7-10 days. But if symptoms worsen after a week, you develop a high fever, or you have trouble breathing, it's time to get checked by your primary care provider (PCP). Telemedicine and virtual care make it easy to get evaluated without leaving your home especially helpful when you're not feeling well enough to drive.

Mobile healthcare providers can also visit you at home for more thorough evaluation if your symptoms are concerning. Home care visits are particularly valuable for young children, elderly patients, and anyone with underlying conditions that make summer colds riskier.

At Jevantrad Network, we're here for the small stuff too. A quick virtual care visit with our primary care providers (PCP) or mobile healthcare providers can help you feel better faster. Book your telemedicine appointment today.