Summer colds are not rare, and they make you feel sicker. Here’s why

Summer viruses can affect your whole system, not just the nose, causing flu-like symptoms that can include gastrointestinal issues and a low-grade fever.

Just when you thought summer colds were rare, a team of researchers found that you’re actually just as likely to catch one in the summer as in the winter.

Researchers say you are just as likely to catch a cold in summer as in winter. (Shutterstock)

“Viruses don’t take vacations; they live our environment year-round,” explained Michael Cohen, infectious disease specialist at UCLA Health-Santa Clarita. “But different strains are active in different seasons. Summer colds are generally caused by the enterovirus or adenovirus, while in the winter, we see the “typical” cold – the rhinovirus – as well as influenza viruses.”

Unlike winter colds, summer colds are spread through contact with body secretions and easily transmitted by children. (Shutterstock)

But summer colds can actually make you feel sicker because they generate more symptoms. Both types of colds are characterised by a runny nose and other upper respiratory symptoms, but summer viruses can affect your whole system, not just the nose, causing flu-like symptoms that can include gastrointestinal issues and a low-grade fever.

Summer colds are also spread differently. While winter colds are usually transmitted in enclosed rooms by respiratory droplets, summer viruses are spread through contact with body secretions and easily transmitted by children.

“But preventive measures are the same for both types of colds: wash hands often and well, and stay clear of people who are sick,” said Cohen.

In addition, recent influenza strains combined with travel has the virus occasionally popping up in the summer. Summer also includes the possibility of illness transmitted by mosquitos and viruses like Zika and West Nile Virus.

“Summer colds and flu can really make you feel miserable,” stated Cohen. “And it does seem terribly unfair to be lying on the couch with multiple symptoms when you could be out having summer fun.”

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