What is a summer cold?
A summer cold is often mistaken for allergies and it’s very easy to see why. The common cold is so synonymous with winter, with that blocked-up feeling of huddling on the couch with a hot-water bottle, that you instinctively gravitate towards another explanation, especially when the symptoms are so similar – sore, itchy throat, thumping headache, sniffling nose etc.
However, a summer cold is in fact caused by a vicious enterovirus and, unlike its winter counterparts, it enjoys hanging around for a while to keep you company. Even when most of your other symptoms have tailed off, you may still find yourself reaching for a box of tissues or feeling that niggling ache in the back of your throat.
How can you prevent it?
For most people, especially if they have plans for a long, well-earned summer holiday, that itchy, aching sensation in their throats spells out instant doom. It’s usually the first symptom after-all, but so many people assume that since the virus is already in their system, there’s not much they can really do to make it go away.
WRONG!
There’s still plenty you can do and in fact, you should be grateful for that sore, itchy throat. Think of it as an alarm being triggered – yes the burglar has entered the building but there’s still time to call the police before he makes off with the plasma screen TV and your bank card.
So here’s what you definitely can do...
Don’t stress!
You’re immediate reaction might be to panic, especially if you’ve booked a holiday, or worse, are already sitting in the Departure Lounge.
You’ve been dreaming of this vacation for weeks and understandably the last thing you want to do is to spend your time sniffling next to the pool or curled up at the beach with a box of tissues next to your sun lotion.
However worrying about things will definitely NOT make them better. When you enter a state of stress it can stimulate your central nervous system and trigger a ‘flight or fight’ response. Now obviously your summer cold is not life-threatening but your central nervous system finds it difficult to distinguish and will release a wave of adrenaline into your bloodstream, raising your blood pressure.
Great if you plan on fighting a tiger, not so great if you need your immune system in tip-top condition. This is because your body will identify both your immune and digestive systems as ‘non-essential.’ Your digestion will slow down and your immune system will become weaker – perfect for helping that nasty virus to thrive!
Stay hydrated
Hydration is important, especially during the summer months when (hopefully!) the weather is a bit warmer.
You’re more likely to lose fluid and valuable electrolytes through sweat and if you don’t try to keep your water intake up, it will have a knock-on effect on your digestion, sometimes causing constipation, as well as, yes you’ve guessed it, weakening your immune system.
Drink as much plain water as possible, up to 1.5 litres a day, or try an equally hydrating substitute such as coconut water or A.Vogel’s Balance Drink which is chockfull of electrolytes!
Open a window
If it’s hot enough, we’re sure to have the air-con up to max. This could be a problem though – your air-con can make it easier for viruses to enter your body. This is because it dries out the mucous lining in your mouths and noses, meaning that the virus is not getting captured as effectively and is free to multiply in your body.
Now I’m not suggesting you sit and roast inside – quite the opposite! Open the windows and try to get as much fresh air as possible – go outside and enjoy the weather if you can, just try to minimalise your use of the air con.
Take some Echinaforce Sore Throat Spray!
Echinaforce really is amazing when it comes to combatting cold symptoms and maintaining your immune system which is why I often recommend taking it preventatively.
However, if it’s a sore, itchy throat you’re looking to ease, definitely opt for our Sore Throat Spray! Prepared using extracts of freshly harvested Echinacea and sage, it delivers the remedy straight to the back of the throat, where it’s needed the most!
Soothing any signs of irritation or inflammation, it helps to reduce any discomfort and is perfect for using just before air travel, when you may be at your most vulnerable!
Take some Digestisan
You may have noticed that I’ve mentioned the digestive system quite a few times and there is a good reason. Did you know that up to 70% of your immune cells are located in your gut? So it’s natural that if something goes wrong with your digestion, it has an impact on your immune system.
Unfortunately when you venture abroad you are exposing yourself to new germs and foods – it’s not unheard of to experience a sore tummy or the odd bout of diarrhoea. Taking Digestisan can help to ease these symptoms, keeping your digestive system happy!
