Good to know: Ten ways to avoid summer colds
Most people living in our part of the world can hardly wait for the summer and the sun. Yet even at almost tropical temperatures of around 30°C, many soon feel the downside by catching a cold. And this is not unusual: about 20 percent of all influenza infections hit us in the summer. Fortunately, however, it's not difficult to avoid summer colds. You should bear the following in mind:
1. Air conditioning and draughts
Never sit in a draught. Especially when we're in closed rooms, we often try to escape the heat by opening doors and windows or switching on a fan. Draughts chill our mucous membranes – with the result that they are no longer as good at warding off cold viruses. To avoid exposing the body to extreme differences in temperature, you should make sure the temperature on your air conditioning is not set too low. Be careful when you go shopping, too. Many stores and shopping malls use air conditioning systems that drastically lower inside temperatures – increasing the risk of catching a cold!
Tip: The ideal room temperature is around 20-21°C. Generally speaking, the difference between room temperature and outside temperatures shouldn't be more than five degrees. When you go shopping, you can protect yourself from extreme changes in temperature by wearing a light jacket or scarf.
2. Perspire, but don't get chilled
Slip into dry clothes as soon as you can if you've been sweating. Especially in summer, gardening, hiking or climbing stairs often sets you sweating. Although perspiring is good for you and helps regulate your body temperature, damp clothing can chill your body too much.
Tip: You should always have a T-shirt or top with you to change into. Functional clothing made of polyester or polypropylene is especially recommended. These fabrics transport perspiration away from the skin and make sure it evaporates on the outside of the garment. Cotton, on the other hand, stores moisture and clings to your body like a cold layer when you sweat, lowering your skin temperature by up to 10°C.
3. Don't overdo cool dips
Don't stay in cold lakes or swimming pools for too long. Jumping into refreshing water on a hot day is a temptation, but be careful: the body can easily become chilled and thus more susceptible to cold viruses.
Tip: Make sure you dry off thoroughly after taking a dip. You can protect yourself best by changing immediately into dry things as soon as you come out of the water. This will help prevent your body from becoming chilled. For "water babies" who can't resist staying in cool water as long as possible, a shirt made of neoprene is a good investment. This synthetic material is used predominantly for diving (wet suits) and has excellent water- and heat-insulating properties, thanks to little gas bubbles evenly distributed on the inside of the fabric.
4. Slightly chilled is better than ice-cold
Avoid ice-cold drinks because they chill the mucous membranes. As a result, they can no longer effectively ward off cold viruses.
Tip: Leave your drinks outside the fridge for a while before drinking and don't use ice-cubes. Drinking ice-cold drinks quickly is only refreshing for the moment anyway. Afterwards you will feel even hotter: the body reacts to the cold shock by increasing the blood circulation. It's better to sip cold drinks slowly.
5. Don't underestimate evening temperature changes
Always have a light pullover or jacket within reach to prevent your body becoming chilled. Even on hot summer days the evenings can become noticeably cooler, and the supposedly mild nights can bring with them the danger of colds. A shiver can quickly develop into a summer cold.
Tip: Take care that you don't get cold feet in open shoes. Many beer gardens and open-air cinemas, for example, offer blankets that you can borrow, should you feel the need.
6. Driving without catching a cold
Take a scarf or some other form of protection for your head and neck when you're out in the car. It's easy to underestimate draughts from open windows, especially on very hot days. A draught can chill and dry out the mucous membranes. For this reason you should always have protective clothing with you if you want to enjoy the breeze – especially if you drive a convertible. If you have air-conditioning in your car, don't set it too low, so that your body doesn't become chilled.
Tip: Sun shades inside your car can help keep out the heat when it's parked. If you fix them to the windows beforehand, they provide some pleasant shade inside the car.
7. Sun-bathe in moderation
Don't expose yourself to extreme heat and excessively strong sun radiation. Both can reduce the effectiveness of your immune system. The result is that sun worshippers are more prone to summer colds. If you are the kind of person who can't get enough of the sun, be sure to drink enough fluids. This will keep your the mucous membranes moist and make it more difficult for cold viruses to enter your body.
Tip: Sit in the shade for a while sometimes; it's easier on your body and your skin.
8. Drink enough fluids
Drink a lot, especially when the weather is hot. This will keep you fit and healthy. Two thirds of the human body consists of water – if you don't drink enough, it can have a negative effect on your body. The result can be health disorders such as headaches, a feeling of exhaustion, or even kidney stones. Drinking enough has other advantages, too: an adequate supply of liquid keeps your mucous membranes moist. Then your protective shield against infections and pathogens will function perfectly.
Tip: Don't wait until you are thirsty before you drink. After all, thirst is your body's warning signal: it means you are already low on water. Drinking two to three liters a day is a must when the temperature is above 30°C.
9. Caution: infection risk in big crowds
Avoid long spells in places where there are a lot of people. Crowds create perfect conditions for cold viruses to spread, especially in closed rooms. One example is in overcrowded public transport: the limited air circulation and crowds of people are a paradise for germs. The risk of airborne infection is particularly high in such places – and the next summer cold is not far away.
Tip: It's worth riding your bike if you're only going a short distance. In addition, fresh air improves your circulation and strengthens your body's defenses. In your leisure time, you should give street cafes and beer gardens precedence over air-conditioned rooms.
10. Washing your hands
Wash your hands several times a day, because cold viruses usually collect first on your skin. You run the risk of catching a cold by shaking hands or touching door handles after someone with a cold has touched them. If your hands then come into contact with your face, the viruses can quickly find their way into your body via the mucous membranes of your nose.
Tip: In summer, moist wipes are an excellent way to freshen up and keep your hands clean at the same time – at least for a while. And they're easy to take along with you.
Advice for patients
Every body reacts differently to medicines. Therefore it is impossible to tell which medicine works best for you. Please consult your physician or pharmacist.