Summer brings images of pool parties, barbeques, and family vacations to mind. It doesn’t usually make you think of a cough or stuffy nose. Unfortunately, summer colds are all too common and can put a damper on your fun in the sun. While winter colds can be more severe in their symptoms, no one wants to spend a sunny day being sick at home.
Think you might be experiencing a summer cold? Learn the common summer cold symptoms, how they differ from other conditions like hay fever, and when to make an appointment with your primary care physician for treatment.
What Are Common Summer Cold Symptoms?
Summer and winter colds are generally caused by different types of viruses, but they have many of the same symptoms. Summer cold symptoms might include:
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Dry or productive cough
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
Symptoms of a summer cold can range from mild to severe, but one of the trickiest parts is knowing whether your symptoms are due to a cold or allergies. Knowing what is causing your symptoms can help you treat them more effectively. Here are a few signs you are experiencing allergies and not a summer cold:
- Itchy eyes. Colds generally don’t cause itchy or watery eyes.
- Sneezing. Sneezing is much more common with allergies than a cold.
- Lack of sinus pressure. If you don’t have sinus pressure, it’s more likely to be allergies, as pain and pressure in the sinuses are very common with colds.
Keeping track of your symptoms may be helpful. If you notice that you often get congested at the beginning of the summer, that’s a good sign that your symptoms are due to seasonal changes and not a virus.
When to Make an Appointment About a Summer Cold
Summer colds are usually nothing to worry about. They should resolve on their own within a week or two. You’ll want to take in plenty of fluids and get lots of rest in the meantime. Sometimes, though, there may be a reason to contact your doctor about a summer cold. Here are some situations when you should make an appointment.
Your Symptoms Are Getting Worse
In most cases, cold symptoms will ease up after a week. If yours don’t, though, or if they worsen, you’ll want to make an appointment. This could indicate a bacterial infection or other underlying issue.
You Are Running a High Fever
A low-grade fever is a common symptom of a summertime cold. But if you are an adult with a fever of 103°F or higher, you’ll want to contact your primary care physician. If your child has a fever of 100.4°F or higher, you’ll want to contact their pediatrician.
You Have Difficulty Breathing
Contact your doctor if you have trouble breathing or experience unexplained shortness of breath. It could indicate that you have a respiratory illness or infection that will require treatment.
You Have an Earache or Severe Sinus Pain
Some sinus pain is standard with a cold. Call your doctor if the pain becomes severe or spreads to your ears. It could be the start of a secondary infection, and you may need treatment.
You Are Experiencing Unusual Symptoms
Knowing the common symptoms of a summer cold will help you distinguish what’s normal and what isn’t. If you start to experience unusual symptoms like vomiting, severe confusion, or severe headaches, seek medical attention.
You Have a Pre-Existing Condition
Individuals with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and young children are at higher risk of complications from a cold. If you fall into one of these categories, it’s a good idea to see your doctor sooner so they can help you manage your symptoms safely.
Don’t Let Summer Colds Steal Your Sunshine
We know feeling unwell can disrupt your summer plans. That’s why we offer convenient appointment options to help you quickly get the care you need. You can schedule an appointment with your family doctor or visit our walk-in medical clinic. If you are experiencing severe or unusual symptoms, our emergency room is available 24/7.
Our team of healthcare professionals is here to diagnose and treat summer colds, allergies, and other health concerns so you can keep the summer fun going. Need to schedule an appointment? Visit our website or give us a call today.
