Summer Cold – Bronchitis
By Dr. Kent Niss
Have you ever had a summer cold? Yes, it is a real thing, just with a really bad name. A summer cold is often times caused by the same viruses that cause colds at other times of the year. However, there are many names given to the diagnosis of a “cold”. The trouble is there are so many viruses that can make us have the symptoms of a cold (cough, runny nose, sore throat and fatigue) and almost all of them have the same treatment…time. So, we should focus on prevention and prevention of the spread of these germs once we are sick and luckily the same rules apply for a summer cold as they do for a, well, any other cold.
Viruses spread mainly from person to person by droplets produced when an ill person coughs, sneezes or talks and you inhale the droplets. Viruses may also spread through contact with an infected object. This happens when you touch something with the virus on it and then touch your mouth, eyes or nose.
To reduce your risk of catching viruses that can cause bronchitis:
- Avoid close contact with people who have the flu or another respiratory illness
- Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
Anyone can be susceptible to viruses that cause bronchitis, but not all will get the same degree of symptoms. This is due to the response from your immune system. Help support your immune system by eating healthy, exercising, taking the above precautions, and getting the recommended vaccinations.
These colds can cause bronchitis. Most people think that bronchitis means they will need an antibiotic and more aggressive intervention. However, for most, that is not the case as bronchitis is caused by viral infections almost 95% of the time. It is important to remember that folks with conditions such as COPD, Asthma and Congestive Heart Failure are more at risk for having worse symptoms, prolonged symptoms and even developing secondary bacterial infections when they develop colds any time of year. So, keeping these people in mind even more so when preventing the spread of disease by keeping your distance and taking the precautions stated above. Please contact the Pawnee County Rural Health Clinic if you have any questions or would like to get your influenza vaccine.
