What you’ll learn
We’ll explain what makes summer colds different, how to spot the symptoms, when to rest and recover at home, and when to see a healthcare provider, virtually or in person. You’ll also learn how our urgent care services can help you feel better, faster, and without leaving home.
Getting sick in the summer feels especially unfair. You’re supposed to be enjoying cookouts, travel, and warm weather, not blowing your nose or nursing a sore throat. But yes, summer colds are real, and they can be just as frustrating and uncomfortable as the ones you get in winter.
While most summer colds are mild and go away on their own for a healthy person, sometimes the symptoms linger or get worse. That’s when it’s time to check in with a provider, ideally without having to sit in a waiting room or rearrange your whole day.
At QuickMD, our providers treat thousands of patients for cold and flu symptoms year-round, including during the summer months, when many people are surprised to find themselves sniffling in the heat. While summer colds are often milder than colds in winter, they can still knock you off your feet, and knowing when to wait it out and when to seek care can make a big difference.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from how to spot summer cold symptoms, how to tell them apart from allergies or COVID-19, and when it’s smart to get medical care. You’ll also learn how our virtual urgent care can help you feel better, faster, from the comfort of home.
Let’s start by clearing up one common question.
What is a summer cold, and how is it different from winter colds?
A summer cold is caused by many of the same viruses that spread during winter, but enteroviruses (RNA viruses such as those that cause polio and hepatitis A) are especially active in summer, peaking in late spring and summer months. That said, enterovirus infections aren’t the only causes. Different viruses, like rhinoviruses (which are a common cause of the cold and can circulate year-round), can still hit you even when it’s hot outside.
Beyond viral exposure, your environment plays a big role in summer cold symptoms showing up, too. Air conditioning, while helping you beat the heat during summer, may actually make your respiratory issues worse.
A study from São Paulo, Brazil, found that office workers in air-conditioned buildings were more likely to report nasal congestion, persistent coughing, and sinus infections compared to those in naturally ventilated areas. Dry air indoors and poorly maintained HVAC systems can irritate your upper respiratory tract, making symptoms from cold-causing viruses feel worse, especially in hot, humid weather during summer.
Knowing these environmental factors is crucial since they can intensify the typical summer cold symptoms you’ll want to watch for.
Whether your summer cold stems from viral exposure at a crowded pool or gets amplified by poor indoor air quality, the symptoms to monitor remain the same.
Common summer cold symptoms include:
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sneezing
- Mild cough
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Low-grade fever (less common, but possible)
Unlike the flu or COVID-19, summer colds usually come on gradually.
Yes, they’re unpleasant. But for most healthy adults, they go away on their own within 7 to 10 days. Still, there are times when cold symptoms can turn into something more serious, or just be too disruptive to wait out.
That’s where our virtual urgent care can help. If you’re not sure whether your cold needs medical attention, a same-day video visit with one of our licensed providers can give you peace of mind and help you feel better faster.
Knowing what you’re dealing with is the first step. The next step is figuring out how to feel better. While there’s no cure for a cold, the right medicine can help ease the worst of your symptoms.
What’s the best medicine for a summer cold?
Here’s a quick guide to over-the-counter medications based on common symptoms. Always check with a provider, like those at QuickMD, if you’re unsure what’s safe for you.
| Summer Cold Symptoms | Common Cold Medication Types |
| Sinus headache | Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) |
| Runny nose | Antihistamines |
| Stuffy nose | Decongestants |
| Fever and aches | Pain relievers / Antipyretics |
| Cough | Cough suppressants (antitussives) |
| Sore throat | Topical analgesics / Anesthetics |
Note: Not all cold medications mix well, especially if you’re taking other prescriptions or have underlying health issues. Our providers can help you pick the safest and most effective options during a quick telemedicine visit.
Looking for more health guidance? Our Learning Center covers everything from urgent care to medical weight loss and addiction recovery, offering real support for whatever part of your health journey you’re on.
Still unsure what you’re dealing with? Summer colds can act like a few other illnesses, especially during allergy season. Here’s how to spot the difference.
Summer cold vs. allergies or COVID-19: how to tell the difference
Not every summer sniffle is “just a cold.”
The tricky thing is that summer colds, COVID-19, and the flu share some similar symptoms, like sore throat, sneezing, and fatigue.
Here’s how to tell them apart so you can decide whether to rest, treat, or see a provider.
Summer cold
Summer colds are caused by viruses like rhinoviruses or enteroviruses and can hit even in hot weather, especially after visits to crowded places like amusement parks and swimming pools. They’re not dangerous, but they can still make you feel run-down for several days.
Typical symptoms:
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Mild cough
- Sneezing
- Low-grade fever (sometimes)
- Fatigue or body aches
Seasonal allergies
Allergies aren’t caused by a virus, so they won’t come with a fever or body aches. If your symptoms are triggered by things like pollen or pets and tend to recur every year, allergies are likely.
Typical symptoms:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing fits
- Runny nose with clear discharge
- Nasal congestion or post-nasal drip
- No fever or body aches
- Symptoms last longer and may vary day to day
COVID-19
COVID-19 symptoms can vary widely, from mild to severe.
Some people confuse the first signs with a summer cold or allergies, especially with newer variants that tend to feel more like a regular cold rather than the intense symptoms we saw with earlier strains.
Watch for:
- Fever or chills
- Fatigue or muscle aches
- Persistent cough
- Loss of taste or smell
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath or chest discomfort (in more serious cases)
If you think it might be COVID-19, it’s important to get tested. Our providers can help guide you if you’re not sure what to do.
Flu (influenza)
It may not be flu season, but you can still come down with the flu, especially in travel settings or in close quarters with others. Flu symptoms tend to come on suddenly and feel more intense than a typical cold.
Flu symptoms to watch for:
- Sudden high fever (often 101°F or above)
- Severe body aches or chills
- Fatigue that hits hard
- Cough and sore throat
- Headache and nasal congestion
When to see a doctor for summer cold symptoms
Most summer colds clear up on their own with rest, fluids, and time.
But sometimes symptoms can hang on or take a turn, and that’s when a check-in with a provider can help.
You should see a doctor (or book a telemedicine visit) if:
- You have a fever above 101°F that lasts more than 3 days
- Your cough is getting worse instead of better
- You’re experiencing shortness of breath or chest discomfort
- You have sinus pain or facial pressure that doesn’t go away
- You’re not sure if it’s a cold, COVID-19, flu, or allergies, and need clarity
If you have an underlying condition like asthma, diabetes, or a weakened immune system, it’s especially important to monitor cold symptoms closely.
How QuickMD virtual urgent care works for the common cold
If you’re feeling under the weather this summer and want to avoid the hassle of crowded clinics, we make it easy to get the care you need from home.
Our virtual urgent care services are fast, affordable, and led by licensed providers who know how to spot when your symptoms are serious or just need time and rest.
Here’s what to expect from start to finish.
1. Book your visit online
Pick a time that works for you. Same-day and even same-hour appointments are often available. Just choose your state, fill out a quick intake form, and confirm your booking.
2. Get seen from anywhere
Use your phone, tablet, or computer to join a secure video call with a QuickMD provider. No special equipment required, just a stable internet connection and a private space.
3. Talk to a licensed provider
Your provider will review your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you’re currently taking. They’ll help figure out what’s going on and what to do next.
4. Get treatment, fast
If appropriate, your provider can send a prescription to your pharmacy, recommend at-home care, or help you figure out if in-person treatment is the safer next step.
5. After your visit
You’ll get a visit summary for your records. If needed, your provider can also issue a doctor’s note for work or school.
Frequently asked questions about summer colds
Why do colds happen more often in winter, but still show up in summer?
While cold viruses (especially rhinoviruses) are easily spread in colder months, they circulate year-round. In summer, factors like air-conditioned indoor areas, close travel quarters (planes, buses), and lowered immunity due to allergies or dehydration can make you more susceptible.
Can swimming or getting wet in the rain give you a cold?
Not directly. Getting chilled or wet doesn’t cause a cold. Only viruses do. But being cold or damp can weaken your immune defenses temporarily, making it easier for viruses already in your system to take hold.
Should I take antibiotics for a summer cold?
No. Colds are caused by viral infections, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Taking antibiotics unnecessarily won’t help and could even lead to side effects or antibiotic resistance. If you’re unsure, a QuickMD provider can help you decide if any treatment is needed.
