Summer Colds Are The Worst : 5 Quick Tips To Beat ‘The Bug’

Summertime! That special time of the year when the days are longer, the nights are shorter and the weather is perfect. Well, unless you are one of the unlucky ones who catches the Summer cold.

I know with the drastic weather conditions lately, 100 one day and then a chilly, rainy day the next, it's very easy for your body to catch a summer bug. Believe me, my throat starting getting that familiar scratchy feeling over the weekend. Your head begins to hurt, you get the aches and pains in your body, your head's congested and you just have that blah feeling. 

Here are a few tips to help you get over the cold as quick as possible and get you back on track for summer fun.

Drink plenty of fluids.We have heard this ever since we were little, but this has always been a hard and fast rule. Fluids will keep you hydrated and can help fight fight your cold symptoms.

Avoid drinks with caffeine. OK, hit me where it hurts on this one. I'm a huge coffee drinker but, this has the exact opposite effect of water, watch out for dehydration.

Rest up. When we rest it's our body's time to heal. People who get less than 7 hours of sleep, on a regular basis, are more prone to catch colds. So, get plenty of rest.

Chicken Soup. Old wives' tale? Nope. There is something that has always been comforting about a nice warm bowl of chicken broth plus, if you have a stuffy nose, the steam can help clear it up.

Camphor products. Camphor is absorbed through the skin and will produce a cooling sensation similar to menthol. You would use one of these patches on your chest before bedtime.

Even though this is a good primer to help with your cold, always remember that a trip to your doctor never hurts. Sometimes he can prescribe medicine that will kick that bug out of your system sooner than later.