Yes, it is possible to get flu in summer although it is rare, it can still happen. We often associate the flu with the autumn or winter season. This is because the cold and dry climate of the season seems to be conducive to the growth of flu virus.
Due to the low humidity of the winter season which helps these tiny organisms function better. Moreover, less exposure to sunlight and vitamin D increases your vulnerability to flu viruses in the winter. However, the hot sultry days of summer can also give you the flu. Yes, we are talking about summer flu.
According to The Health Site, you catch a cold in summer when you come in contact with an infected person, or if you drink contaminated water. Like influenza, summer flu is also a contagious respiratory illness. While winter cold is caused by the rhinovirus, enteroviruses (transmitted from person to person via direct contact) are responsible for your bout of summer cold.
The summer flu symptoms are similar to those of influenza during other times of the year. The symptoms include fever, sneezing, stuffy and runny nose, scratchy throat, sore throat, coughing and congestion.
The summer flu is often confused or mistaken as allergies, however they vary from mild, moderate to severe. But, flu viruses are self- limiting. So, they subside on their own after a week or two. Doctors advise an annual flu shot to keep these viruses at bay.
Below are some home remedies that will help you feeling better as your normal self in no time according to The Health Site.
Ginger Tea
Ginger has anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties that help to lessen the excessive mucus in your airways. It also helps to reduce inflammation in your nasal passages. Ginger keeps the body warm, which helps in the healing process. According to research, ginger is endowed with antiviral properties. For relief from summer cold symptoms, you can have it in the form of tea or lozenges. Simply chewing a few pieces of ginger will also help.
How to:
Get thin slices of ginger root, put them in a cup of water and boil the mixture for some time to make a tea.
Add a little honey for taste and drink the tea 3 or 4 times a day.
Turmeric mix
Turmeric is another famous home remedy that you can easily try at home when it comes to treating summer flu. According to The Health Site, it acts as an excellent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent that helps to get quick recovery from viral infections and reduce inflammation. It also helps to heal a sore throat and nasal inflammation.
How to:
Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder and a little crushed black pepper to a glass of warm milk.
Drink it twice daily.
You can also add a teaspoon of turmeric powder and teaspoon of salt to a glass of warm water and mix it well.
Steam Inhalation
This home remedy helps to clear up a sore throat gargle with this mixture twice daily.
It is known as one of the best options as it will quickly relieve symptoms like scratchy throat, sore throat, stuffy and runny nose. It helps to clear out excess mucus from your system.
How to:
Add a few drops of eucalyptus oil or menthol to a large bowl of hot water.
Place your face over the bowl, cover your head with a towel to trap the steam.
Breathe in the steam for about 10 minutes, then blow your nose.
Do this 3 or 4 times a day.
Alternatively, you can take a hot shower or bath and let the steam work to clear your stuffiness.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps to kill the virus responsible for summer cold as it creates an alkaline environment in the body. It also provides quick relief from nasal congestion. It is also good for your immunity.
How to:
Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into 1 cup of warm water.
Gargle with it several times a day.
Also, you can mix 1 teaspoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar into a glass of water.
Add a little honey and drink it twice daily.
Also see: Habits to adopt for a longer and healthier life
