By Amina Abdul Salam Colds are not confined to the winter, they may also occur in the summer according to Ear, Nose and Throat Consultant Dr Youssri Mahmoud. Eating a healthy diet is the best way to avoid summer colds, said Dr Mahmoud. He noted that colds are just as widespread in both seasons and are transmitted through sneezing, coughing, shaking hands and kissing. There is more danger of getting a cold in the summer, when travelling by air, because of the presence of many people in a confined space and because the cold and dry air limit the flow of blood to the mucous membranes. Dr Mahmoud added that summer colds are caused by enteroviruses, while winter colds are caused by rhinoviruses, which can cause stomach upsets as well as respiratory symptoms like sneezing, nasal congestion, and fever. These summer germs are spread not just through respiratory droplets, but also through fecal matter. Dr Mahmoud said it was important to wash our hands especially well after using the bathroom. He warned against moving between the warm outdoors and air-conditioned indoor spaces, because that can make people more vulnerable to sickness in the summer. "It lowers the defences in the nose and throat by causing constriction of the blood vessels and if the virus is already present, the reduced immunity allows it to attack." Dr Mahmoud said, "The symptoms of summer and winter cold, are the same: a runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat and ear pain, often lasting for a week. What is required is complete bed rest and drinking lots of fluids that are not ice cold." According to Dr Mahmoud, the best remedy is time. "You can treat some of the symptoms of winter cold with medicine, but you won't feel completely better until the virus clears out of your system." Dr Mahmoud's recommendations for treating a cold are as follows: gargling with salt and water for a sore throat, taking a cough mixture for a cough, staying hydrated, getting plenty of sleep, and avoiding strenuous activity. To prevent colds Dr Mahmoud advised strengthening the immune system by eating a lot of vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin C and hand-washing to avoid viral infections. "If you don't have access to a basin, carry a small bottle of liquid sanitiser or a packet of sanitising tissues with you wherever you go," he added.
