
Summer colds often originate from the heat of summer. In hot environments, the body's pores open, releasing sweat. This is precisely when the body's resistance is lowered. If one is exposed to cold, the body's regulatory mechanisms can cause the pores to suddenly close, preventing heat and sweat from escaping. This accumulation of heat leads to a summer cold, also known as a heatstroke. The course of a summer cold is approximately 3-7 days. It often begins with discomfort in the nasopharynx, accompanied by a heavy head and fatigue. As the illness progresses, nasal discharge becomes thicker, followed by fever, cough, and sore throat.
The most prominent symptom of a summer cold is fever, but there is no significant chills, which is distinctly different from the chills experienced during the flu in spring and autumn. Summer colds often persist even after sweating, and coupled with the oppressive heat of the outside environment, catching a summer cold can be particularly unpleasant.
"5 Things to Do to Prevent Summer Colds": 1. Avoid sudden temperature changes. A 4°C difference between the air-conditioned room and the outdoor temperature is ideal. When entering a home from outdoors, it's best to spend some time adjusting in a room without air conditioning before going into an air-conditioned room. 2. Avoid insufficient sleep. Hot weather increases energy expenditure, and insufficient sleep accelerates the decline of the body's immunity, making one more susceptible to colds. 3. Don't avoid drinking water. Water helps the body digest and absorb nutrients, converting food into energy and strengthening immunity. Water also helps the body eliminate toxins. 4. Avoid refined sugar and other sweets. Refined sugar and high-sugar foods can cause the immune system to become "fatigued," making it more vulnerable to illness. 5. Reduce stress and maintain an optimistic outlook. Pessimism, depression, and other negative psychological states can lead to increased release of hormones such as cortisol, which directly suppress the immune system. Doctors advise that if the illness persists for more than two weeks or worsens, further examination is necessary to rule out other diseases.
