Some things we'd rather leave in the colder months – coughs, colds, and hoarseness being prime examples. But even in sunshine and warm temperatures, we can catch it: the classic summer flu. Instead of swimming in the lake and a barbecue, it's suddenly tea and bed rest.
What is summer flu?
The sun is shining, temperatures are rising, and perhaps that long-awaited vacation is just around the corner. We simply want to enjoy the warm season to the fullest. However, a summer cold can quickly dampen the carefree summer mood. This actually has little to do with the real flu – it's more of a common cold that can occur during the summer months.
Just like with humans, there are also specific types of viruses that thrive in the warmer months. Summer flu is primarily caused by so-called enteroviruses, coxsackieviruses, or echoviruses, which are adapted to summer temperatures. Similar to the common cold, they make themselves at home in our bodies via droplet infection – meaning they are transmitted through speaking, sneezing, breathing, or coughing. In addition, summer flu can also be transmitted through contact with contaminated surfaces. The viruses are then excreted by an infected person and can enter the mouth or nose of another person via contaminated hands, surfaces, or objects.
Summer flu: These are the symptoms
The symptoms of summer flu are similar to those of a common cold. Typical symptoms include headache and body aches, a general feeling of weakness, sore throat, runny nose, or a slight fever. Coughing is also a frequent symptom, often starting dry and becoming more productive later on. Depending on the viruses responsible for summer flu, gastrointestinal issues such as abdominal pain or diarrhea may also occur.
Coughs, colds and more: Why we get infected especially in summer
A summer cold isn't exactly what most people want to see on their summer bucket list. And yet, it can sometimes catch us – right in the middle of the warm season. Typical summer habits are partly to blame: when it gets too hot, we switch on the air conditioning or a fan, which dries out our mucous membranes, making it easier for viruses to take hold. The constant switching between hot outdoor air and cool indoor spaces also puts a strain on our respiratory system, making it more sensitive to irritants and more susceptible to infections. So it's no wonder that a cough is often particularly persistent with a summer cold. The risk of contracting viral pathogens is also increased when traveling or in large crowds – for example, on trains, planes, or at parties. Combined with stress, lack of sleep, or excessive sun exposure, viruses then find ideal conditions.
Preventing coughs in summer – how to keep your airways protected
Coughing is a common symptom, especially in connection with summer flu. Unfortunately, we can't switch our immune system to "summer mode"—but a few targeted measures can effectively protect the respiratory tract:
1. Use air conditioners and fans consciously: Do not set them too cold and avoid direct drafts on the body or face – otherwise the mucous membranes will dry out and become more susceptible to irritation.
2. Drink plenty of fluids: Always important in summer, but especially essential in dry air due to air conditioning or when traveling. Adequate fluid intake keeps the mucous membranes moist and helps prevent coughing.
3. Care for mucous membranes: Moisturizing nasal sprays with saline solutions or inhalations with saline solution moisturize the mucous membranes. This not only protects against colds but can also prevent coughs – because dry or irritated nasal mucous membranes make it easier for pathogens to penetrate deeper into the respiratory tract.
4. Protect your neck and chest : Even if it's warm outside – in air-conditioned rooms, trains or airplanes, a light scarf can help keep cool drafts away from your sensitive neck.
5. Prepare your travel first-aid kit: If you happen to catch a cough while on vacation, it's good to be prepared. For example, Prospan® cough liquids in stick sachets are particularly practical for travel.
What helps with summer flu
Anyone who was looking forward to sunshine, leisure time, and perhaps even a vacation will find a summer cold doubly unpleasant. That's why it's so important to take good care of yourself now. Even though it's often difficult with the wonderful weather of the warmer months, your body primarily needs rest to recover quickly. Drinking plenty of fluids – preferably water or unsweetened tea – also helps keep the mucous membranes moist and promotes the relief of symptoms. For coughs, herbal cough remedies, such as Prospan® with its special ivy extract EA 575, can help alleviate discomfort. Otherwise, a balanced diet, fresh air, and a little patience are the best ways to ensure that the summer cold is soon over and you can enjoy the warm days again.
Fortunately, summer flu usually has a mild course. However, if the symptoms do not subside after a few days or worsen, a visit to the doctor is advisable.