Why Do I Have a Summer Cold?

If cold and flu season occurs during the fall and winter, then why do people still get sick in the summer? Although they aren't as common in warmer months, colds really aren't that rare any time of year.

Summer colds are surprisingly common, although they occur less frequently than in the fall and winter.

Colds are caused by viruses, not the weather, so they can occur at any time of the year. They are more common during the colder months because the virus is able to spread more easily in cold, dry air. People also tend to stay indoors more during the winter months, which means they may have more exposure to other people and their germs. But that doesn't mean they don't occur during the warmer months. The viruses that cause colds are always around.

Summer cold symptoms aren't any different than cold symptoms at any other time of the year. The most common include:

• Runny nose 
• Congestion
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Cough
• Watery eyes
• Itchy eyes, nose or throat

If your symptoms are much different from these, you probably have a different illness. You could have a different type of viral infection or even seasonal allergies.

• Is It a Cold or Allergies?

Treating a summer cold is (unfortunately) not any easier than treating a cold any other time of the year. There is no cure for the cold, but there are an abundance of over-the-counter medications to help make your symptoms more bearable. There are plenty of non-medication remedies you can try as well.

Of course, figuring out which one is right for you is the tricky part. If you choose to take medications, identify the symptoms that are bothering you and find a medication that treats those -- and only those -- symptoms. You don't want medications that treat symptoms you don't have.

• How to Choose the Right Cold Medication

If you would prefer not to take medications, there are still options to help relieve your symptoms. Humidifiers, saline spray and neti pots are just a few things you can try to help yourself feel better.

Preventing colds is always the preferred option. Although it's not always possible, there are steps you can take to maximize your potential for avoiding the common cold, no matter what season it is.

Wash Your Hands 

Washing your hands is the most effective step you can take to avoid getting sick with any common illness. Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Then make sure you dry them! Most people don't realize how important this step is.

Use Hand Sanitizer

When you don't have access to soap and water, using hand sanitizer is a great alternative.

Do Multivitamins Help?

Multivitamins are often marketed as a necessity for everyone and a great option to help you stay healthy. However, depending on your health and diet, this may or may not be true. See if multivitamins are right for you.

Staying Healthy at Work

Many of us pick up germs at the office from our coworkers when they come to work sick. While the best way to avoid those germs would be for those sick coworkers to stay home, that probably isn't going to happen. See what else you can do to minimize your chances of catching the office illness.