How To Treat A Summer Cold

It’s summer, and you planned a relaxing vacation (finally!) only to find that as it approaches, you’re sniffling and feeling generally under the weather. Pretty soon your nose is runny, and maybe you’re coughing more than usual. It seems impossibly unfair – it’s beautiful and sunny outside, and you have a cold. How will you enjoy barbecues on the beach and outdoor get-togethers? Here are five things you can do.

Slow Down Slow down. People tend to be in denial when they first notice themselves getting sick, and go about their normal routine. When you notice that you’re getting sick, start giving your body a rest: take a day off from work and other normal activities. Lie down, take a bath, and relax.

Drink Water And Herbal Tea When you’re sick, you need to drink even more water than usual since you’re more likely to be dehydrated. Drinking herbal tea is also a good idea (be wary of caffeinated teas, which can dehydrate you more). Try adding honey and lemon to the tea, which will help your sore throat. Make sure to take it easy on coffee and alcohol.

Take Vitamin C It’s so easy to do, yet even easier to forget. Increasing your vitamin C intake will fight infection, helping you get over your summer cold quickly. Take it as soon as you start noticing symptoms.

Have Some Soup It’s good to be mindful of what you put in your body all the time, especially when you’re sick. While it might seem to be going against common sense to eat something warm during the hot summer months, soup is one of your healthiest options. Chicken soup has cysteine, which reduces inflammation, and warm broth can help thin mucus.

See A Doctor If You Need To While summer colds are normal, you should see your doctor if your symptoms last more than two weeks, or if your cold goes away but keeps coming back repeatedly.