Catching a cold when it’s warm sounds ironic but it is not actually impossible and contrary to popular belief, is not rare at all.

Even in a hot climate, viruses that cause cold symptoms can spread and infect people just as easily as it does in winter.

If that seems fair, well just think of it, we often look forward to summer to get outside and have fun under the sun. We ought not to let a runny nose ruin this much-awaited outdoor season.

There are over 200 viruses around the corner that can cause colds and although many of them survive best in cooler weather, some like the enterovirus thrives in warm weather.

 

Here are three tips to keep colds at bay and make the most out of your summer.

 

 

1. Get plenty of fluids.

 

A general good health practice to fend off viruses!

Although this won’t guarantee to make you completely immune from colds, fluids help your body circulate blood more freely, allowing virus-fighting white blood cells reach their target before they replicate.

What’s more, it enables your body’s system to have enough oxygen for optimal function in removing toxins.

 

 

2. Improve ventilation at home.

 

Hot weather obviously pushes us to run our air conditioner ultra-cold, a good reason for viruses to celebrate during summer.

According to WebMD, most cold-causing viruses survive best in low humidity, cold environments set by an air conditioner. Extremely low temperatures also enable the arteries in our skin to constrict in defense to heat loss. This causes the flow of blood in our body to slow down, including our white blood cells, which makes us more susceptible to illnesses and infections.

Not just that! Air conditioners themselves can be an ideal place for mold and bacteria to breed and accumulate virus particles in the air if not maintained.

Open doors and windows as much as you can to bring in fresh, outdoor air. If it’s really impossible to turn off or put your air conditioner to a comfortable, room temperature due to the blazing heat of summer, use air filtration and exhaust fan.

“The better the ventilation, the less likely the viruses are going to get transmitted from one person to another,” suggests Dr. Tina Tan, a Professor of Pediatrics at the Feinberg School of Medicine

 

 

3. Just wash your hands.

 

This advice is so overused yet often underestimated.

Viruses that cause colds can linger in your hands. And since most of us are so guilty about touching our eyes, nose and mouth without even realizing it, viruses get inside our body through these pathways to the throat and lungs.

Make it a habit to wash your hands frequently for 20 seconds with soap and water.

 

 

 

Cold weather is leaving and warmer days are on its way but it means you can still catch a cold. Every layer of prevention counts so make sure you follow these tips so you won’t miss the season of summer.