Now that the warm weather is here, most people are thinking cold season is behind us. We tend to associate colds with wintertime—snow, scarves, and sneezes. But if you’ve ever come down with a cold when it’s 85 degrees and sunny, you’re not alone. The fact is that between 10,000,000 and 15,000,000 people catch “summer” colds each year in the US, mostly between June and October. Summer colds are real, and they can feel even more frustrating because they strike when you’re supposed to be enjoying long days, vacation plans, and time outdoors.
So, what are these summer colds? Are they different from cold weather colds? And what can you do to protect yourself? The answers can be found by understanding your immune system, how seasonal habits impact your health, and how chiropractic care plays a vital role in keeping you strong year-round.
What’s Going On?
Summer colds are usually caused by a different group of viruses than the ones that trigger winter colds. While winter colds often come from rhinoviruses, summer bugs are more likely to stem from enteroviruses. These can still bring on the classic cold symptoms—runny nose, sore throat, cough, and fatigue—but sometimes they also include gastrointestinal issues like nausea or diarrhea.
What makes you more vulnerable in summer? Consider these common culprits:
- Air conditioning: Constant temperature changes from hot to cold can stress your immune system.
- Travel and exposure: Planes, hotels, and new environments expose you to unfamiliar germs.
- Dehydration: Hot weather increases fluid loss, and most people don’t hydrate enough.
- Disrupted routines: Less sleep, more indulgent food and drink, and travel-related stress can all wear you down.
- False sense of security: People often let their guard down in summer, thinking colds are only a winter concern.
Your Immune System and Chiropractic Care
The good news? If you feel a cold coming on, or already have a full blown (pun intended) cold, one of the best ways to strengthen your immune system is to visit your chiropractor. Here’s why. Your nervous system—the brain, spinal cord, and nerves—controls every function in your body, including your immune response. When your spine is misaligned (a condition called subluxation), it can interfere with the communication between your brain and body, including how efficiently your immune system responds to threats.
By regularly visiting your chiropractor they will be able to:
- Remove nerve interference so your brain and immune system can communicate clearly.
- Improve circulation and lymphatic flow, helping your body eliminate waste and fight off infection.
- Reduce stress, which is a major factor in immune suppression.
- Support better sleep, digestion, and energy—all essential for staying healthy.
Multiple studies have shown that people under regular chiropractic care experience an improved immune system which results in fewer colds, shorter duration of symptoms, and greater overall health. Chiropractic doesn’t “treat” colds—it helps your body become better equipped to prevent and recover from them.
Don’t Let a Summer Cold Steal Your Sunshine
Don’t get sidelined this summer. Stay hydrated, get enough rest, nourish your body with whole foods, and maintain a consistent chiropractic schedule. You’ll not only feel your best every day but you’ll be able to support your immune system so that you can continue to enjoy everything the season has to offer—everyday of the summer!
Want to stay ahead of sickness all year long? Make chiropractic care part of your wellness routine—not just for pain relief, but for whole-body vitality. Because the best kind of summer (winter, fall, and spring) is one spent feeling your best. Need help? Find a 100 Year LifestyleⓇ provider near you today!
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