How to Treat Your Summer Cold

Symptoms of summer colds are similar to winter colds, but summer colds often come from a different virus. They can also lead to more severe symptoms and possible complications not associated with winter colds. Treatment and prevention tactics may be different too.

“Summer colds can be caused by enteroviruses or rhinovirus,” says Madeleine Samuelson Herman, MD, MPH, an otolaryngologist at SCENT Houston Sinus Center & ENT Specialists. “Rhinovirus can still cause summer colds but are more dominant in spring and fall.”

“They have a still developing immune system, they tend to have close contact, like at camp or the playground, and they tend to be less careful with hygiene, like covering coughs,” Dr. Herman says.

Herman adds that people with weakened immune systems and those who spend a lot of time in group environments are also more likely to get a summer cold.

Summer colds can start with symptoms similar to winter colds. But they may have additional symptoms, and some summer colds can lead to potentially serious complications.

Symptoms

• Runny, stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Fever
• Muscle aches
• Mouth blisters and sores

Dr. Anderson adds that other possible symptoms include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea and diarrhea, as well as a rash.

By comparison, if your cold is from a rhinovirus, your symptoms may not be as severe. Colds caused by a rhinovirus tend to have a slower onset, and they do not usually involve a fever, rash, or gastrointestinal symptoms, Herman says.

“While both rhinoviruses and enteroviruses can cause cold-like symptoms, rhinoviruses tend to stick to the basics — think of them as the ‘classic cold’ culprits,” Anderson says. “You’ll typically see a sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a mild cough, and occasionally a low-grade fever. These infections are usually mild and short-lived.”

Complications

Enteroviruses can lead to serious complications and issues, depending on the strain you may encounter.

Anderson says that the coxsackievirus types of enterovirus can also cause hand, foot, and mouth disease, with symptoms that include fatigue and muscle aches.

It may be hard to tell a summer cold apart from allergies. Symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, and having a runny nose may overlap, Herman says.

“Summer colds usually come on gradually after exposure to a virus and tend to last about 7 to 10 days,” Anderson says. “Allergies usually come on suddenly after exposure to an allergen and can linger for weeks or even months. Unlike colds, allergies never cause a fever or body aches.”

“Focus on staying hydrated — think water or electrolyte-rich drinks — getting plenty of rest, and using over-the-counter remedies to ease symptoms, like saline nasal sprays, throat lozenges, or acetaminophen for fever and aches,” Anderson says.

Herman says that decongestants can help treat a stuffy nose. “And cough suppressants can help kick that cough,” she adds.

It is not always possible to avoid a summer cold, but there are some things you can do to limit your exposure to cold viruses and keep your immune system strong.

Anderson recommends:

• Practicing good hygiene, like washing your hands regularly
• Managing stress
• Getting adequate sleep
• Staying hydrated to keep your immune system strong
• Avoiding contact with people who are sick

• Wearing a mask
• Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
• Disinfecting the surfaces in your home, school, or office

Taking these steps does not guarantee you’ll stay illness-free. But they can help reduce your chances of getting sick.

The Takeaway

• Summer colds may be caused by different viruses, including rhinoviruses and enteroviruses.
• Enteroviruses increase in frequency of infection in warmer months and can cause severe symptoms.
• Treatment of summer colds typically involves rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications.
• A cold is not always preventable. But you can take steps to reduce your risk of catching one.