Dealing with a spring or summer cold?
Don't you just hate that you have been waiting all winter for the sun to come out and the weather to warm up and then just as that starts to happen you get hit by the symptoms of a cold? This happens so often and is so frustrating.
With social distancing and mask-wearing over the past few seasons, many have been able to avoid colds altogether. But, as we get back to "normal life", this also means normal colds. But don't worry, we have tips to help you weather your spring & summer colds and get back to feeling like yourself again!
5 tips for spring or summer colds
1. Figure out if it's allergies.
Especially in the spring, it can be difficult to decipher whether your sneezing, watery eyes, and sore throat are allergies or a cold. They share many symptoms, but if you have sweating, fever, and coughing, then you are probably dealing with a cold. Also, cold symptoms tend to come on as a wave. Symptoms start slowly, build and then ebb away. Allergy symptoms on the other hand tend to come on strong and all at once.
2. Make yourself rest
Colder weather can have us wanting to snuggle down in bed, which is great advice with a cold. But spring & summer weather tends to get us charged up and ready to go! If you are dealing with a spring or summer cold, you still need to take downtime and rest so your body is able to use all of its energy in fighting off the virus. Take a nap in the shade, read a book, and make sure kids have downtime too. Just chill as much as possible!
3. remember to hydrate
In the winter, we know that warm liquids like clear broth or warm lemon water with honey can help loosen congestion & prevent dehydration. These are also great options in the spring & summer, but if the temperature is too warm for tea or soup, iced teas, water, and juices are great options. Make sure to avoid alcohol, coffee, and caffeinated sodas, which can make you more dehydrated!
4. look to herbal remedies
Eat lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and foods high in immune-boosting nutrients like zinc, iron, and vitamin C. You might also consider a herbal remedy such as Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa syrup and lozenges. These are made with natural herbs and honey, blended based on the theory of “Traditional Chinese Medicine”. We have found them very effective in our families - especially for nighttime coughs. Click here to learn more!
5. Stay away from others
If we've learned anything throughout the pandemic, it's that hand washing and distance from others is a key to slowing the transmission of viruses. Now that we are back together again, we to remember these lessons when we are sick and go back to these practices. Wash your hands often, don't touch your face, and stay away from others when you are sick.
Co-founder of Healthy Family Media and the Healthy Family Expo, Kay is an adventurer & Ironman triathlete, as well as mum to an active 11-year-old. Originally from Montreal, she has been proud to call British Columbia home for over 15 years. Whether running, hiking & biking in the mountains or creating healthy meals in the kitchen, Kay is always up for something new. Her contagious enthusiasm & zest for life mean we’re never quite sure what she’ll be up to next, but we’re sure that it will be an amazing adventure!
