The idea of catching a cold in summer might seem paradoxical, but despite the warmer weather, it’s more common than you think. Fortunately, many of the same remedies used to rid the body of the common winter cold work just as well in summer, and with any luck, you won’t need to stay inside for long.
Read on for five simple remedies to the summer cold season.
Get enough sleep
How long and how well you sleep each night can make a huge difference to your overall health and quality of life, and it’s even more important when you’re unwell. Fatigue is a common symptom of the flu because the cells in your body are busy fighting off the illness, so by getting more rest, you’re giving your body the chance to regenerate those cells. When you’re ill
Step into the sauna
Extra humidity is a great antidote to flu symptoms, and where better to find it than in the sauna?
Researchers suspect that the reason a trip to the sauna relieves nasal, sinus, and chest congestion is that it improves drainage. This, combined with high temperatures, encourages deep breathing and creates an inhospitable environment for the virus. Just don’t stay inside too long, and steer clear if you have a fever.
Spend some time in the sun
Often, when you’re feeling unwell, all you want to do is lie in a dark room under the covers, but that may just make matters worse. Germs and viruses love enclosed spaces, especially air-conditioned ones, so you should try to get outside and take in a few UV rays whenever you can. Not only are these rays known enemies of the cold virus, but they’re also great for lifting your mood and your energy levels so that you can start feeling better faster.
Try herbal remedies
You don’t have to be an advocate for “alternative medicine” to embrace the healing power of herbs. The fact is that herbs have been used to treat the flu and common colds for many years, and adding something natural to your daily routine could do a whole lot of good for your immune system. Vitamin C tablets, tea with honey, and chicken soup are all well-known home cures for the flu, and they all taste a whole lot better than the average cold medicine.
Get the right nutrients
Eating a healthy, balanced diet and drinking enough water is important for everyday good health, and even more so when you’re ill. You might not feel like eating or drinking much while you have the flu, but it’s important to keep your energy levels up so that your body is able to eliminate the virus. Garlic, broth, yoghurt, leafy greens, and oatmeal are amongst the best things you can eat when you’re under the weather, whereas caffeine, alcohol, and greasy foods are best avoided.
Catching the flu in the summer is never a good time, but with luck on your side and a few trusted treatments at your disposal, it should be a short-lived misfortune. If your symptoms take a turn for the worse, see your healthcare professional.
