New publications
How not to catch a cold in summer
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Doctors note that after the end of the cold weather, the risk of catching acute respiratory viral infections, tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis and other colds increases significantly. Many factors contribute to this. In order not to catch a cold in the summer, it is necessary to follow certain safety rules.
With the onset of stable hot weather, you want to drink. To avoid a cold, do not drink cold drinks that are sold from stationary refrigerators and containers. In the heat, it is enough to take a few sips to then suffer for a long time from tonsillitis, laryngitis, bronchitis or sore throat.
To quench your thirst, use room temperature drinks or cool green tea with mint, which quickly saturates the body with moisture and quenches thirst. You should not completely give up ice cream, but eat it in small portions, eat slowly.
An air conditioner is no less dangerous. A sharp temperature drop, when you have to go from the heat into a cooled room, contributes to a surge in colds1. To prevent illness, do not cool the room excessively. The temperature difference should not be more than 5 degrees. For example, if it is 30 degrees outside, the room should be at least 25 degrees. Do not sit in close proximity to a working air conditioner. If you use a fan, place it three meters away from you.
Choose your clothes wisely. Don't forget that the weather can change abruptly. If you leave home in the morning in a light T-shirt and without an umbrella, and on the way you get soaked through in the cold rain, this is a direct path to a cold. Therefore, always carry a windbreaker and an umbrella with you. It is better to carry an extra bag than to get sick in the hottest weather.
In hot weather, most city dwellers head to city beaches, where they rush to plunge into a cold river or lake. The body, heated up during the trip, is subjected to a sharp cooling - this is a direct path to colds.
To avoid catching a cold, do not try to immerse your entire body in water at once. Go into the water up to your ankles, splash yourself, dive in once, stand for a few minutes, and only then start swimming. Do not stay in the water for too long. 5-7 minutes is enough for the first time. Immediately after swimming, rub your body with a terry towel and take off your wet swimsuit.
Also, don't forget to strengthen your immune system. Drink freshly squeezed citrus juices daily, eat lots of greens and fresh fruits, walk barefoot in the morning dew, take a contrast shower.