Fighting Summer Colds, Pt. 1

Despite the warm weather outside, it’s possible for a virus to infect your respiratory tract. Colds come and go through every season, unfortunately. In the summertime, it can be difficult to distinguish whether you’re experiencing allergies or a summer cold. Allergies, however, usually present themselves with sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, and a watery runny nose. Allergies usually strike around the same time every year and last throughout allergy season. Summer colds usually last up to 10 days, with or without treatment, and don’t cause itchy eyes as allergies do.

If you’ve found yourself battling a summer cold this year, here are some tips to help you fight it successfully.

1. Use an OTC decongestant to unclog your stuffy nose.
2. Apply a saline spray to flush the nose and help keep mucus loose.
3. Take pain relievers, such as Tylenol, to help reduce your fever and help manage pain.
4. Use cough drops and/or throat lozenges to keep dry cough away.
5. Gargle warm salt water to help relieve the irritation of a sore throat.