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Summer cold? These home remedies will help you deal with it

- ● Aayushi Gupta

While the winter season typically brings along coughs and sneezes, summer colds are more common than you imagine. If you’re suddenly suffering from a runny nose, cough or throat pain this season, don’t panic! We’ve got some expert-backed home remedies for you that can help. What causes summer colds?

A summer cold may sound weird but many people catch it and suffer from symptoms during the hot weather. Regardless of when you catch a cold, the cause is always a virus or infection that can happen in any season. Apart from this, seasonal allergies are also responsibl­e for catching a cold in this season.

If you’re suddenly suffering from a runny nose, cough or throat pain this season, fret not! Follow these tips for quick recovery

Symptoms of summer cold

Sneezing

Body ache

Coughing

Runny nose

Sore throat

Fever

Headache

Chest pressure

Fatigue

Watery eyes

If you’re experienci­ng these symptoms, you must get yourself tested because there’s only a thin line between common cold and Covid-19. Dr Bhumireddy Shilpa Naidu, general physician, suggests some home remedies in case it is a summer cold.

Dr Naidu says, “Cold during summer is not rare. Most often summer colds are caused by a virus (Enteroviru­s). It is contagious and can travel in mucus, saliva and

stool of sick people.”

HOME REMEDIES FOR SUMMER COLD Take rest:

Cold and cough can weaken and exhaust you by compromisi­ng your immune system. To battle viral infections and strengthen your immunity, you must get enough rest and sleep. Don’t overwork yourself by doing rigorous workouts or exercises. This can put your immunity to the test and worsen your condition. Stay hydrated: Make sure you stay hydrated by consuming plenty of water or energy boosting drinks. Try orange juice, which is high in vitamin C, but stay away from dehydratin­g liquids such as tea, alcohol, and coffee.

Increase vitamin C intake: As you probably already know, vitamin C is an immune booster. It helps your immune system fight bacteria and germs. Essential vitamin and mineral supplement­ation should be done on a regular basis. Add iron and zinc to your diet too.

Try herb and spices: Yes, antioxidan­t-rich herbs and spices such as garlic, lemon, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon pepper can help increase immunity. These herbs and spices can also assist to relieve a sore throat, decongest the body, and make you feel better in general. You can include them in your diet to help you heal faster. Use a humidifier: Humidifier­s can keep your nasal passage moist and moisturise­d, preventing it from drying out and becoming scratchy, especially after a cold. To get rid of a cold or cough, you can also take steam at least three times a day. You can also keep your body warm by taking a warm bath or shower.

Moreover, follow these tips: Stay away from infected people

Wash your hands regularly

Use damp wipes to clean nose

Try saline nasal spray

Drink honey and ginger water

 ?? PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTO­CK (FOR REPRESENTA­TIONAL PURPOSE ONLY) ?? Antioxidan­t-rich herbs and spices such as garlic and ginger can help increase immunity
PHOTOS: SHUTTERSTO­CK (FOR REPRESENTA­TIONAL PURPOSE ONLY) Antioxidan­t-rich herbs and spices such as garlic and ginger can help increase immunity

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