The Summer of Snot: Avoiding illness in the warmer months

You’ve packed the car, lathered the kids in sunscreen and finally arrived at Mooloolaba Beach for an amazing day in the sun. First there’s a sniffle, a scratchy throat and then fatigue settles over you like dry sand on a wet body. Oh no: you’ve caught the dreaded summer cold.

Unfortunately, cold and flu don’t take the summer off. Despite the amazing warm weather we experience, our team are always helping Mooloolaba Beach Pharmacy customers with colds and flu. No matter what season we’re in!

Why do colds and flu occur in summer?

While summer brings warmth and sunshine, several factors contribute to the continued
frequency of colds and flu:

  • Air Conditioning: When the heat becomes even slightly uncomfortable, turning on the air conditioner is almost automatic. However, closed, circulating air can become a breeding ground for viruses, especially in crowded spaces.
  • Travel: School holidays and catch ups with friends means Summer is peak vacation season. Airports, hotels, and tourist attractions become crowded and the risk of virus transmission increases.
  • Close Contact: Family gatherings, Christmas parties, camp trips… the opportunities for close contact over Summer are endless and frequent, spreading illness quickly.
  • Weakened Immune Systems: The dehydration and fatigue we often succumb to in hot weather can weaken your immune system and making you more susceptible to infections. We also often push ourselves hard to finish all the ‘jobs’ before going on holiday, not to mention the pressure of taking time off work. When we stop, our immune systems are depleted and ripe for illness to take hold.

It would almost make you want to stay at home, but there are several very simple steps to help improve your chances of a snot-free summer!

Tips to Stop the Spread

We heard these tips ad nauseum during the global pandemic a few years ago… The following absolutely work to help stop the spread of colds and flu and reduce the risk of you being infected too:

  1. Practice Good Hygiene: Frequent handwashing is without doubt one of the most effective ways to halt the spread of viruses. Use soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces like supermarkets and cafes. Hand sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol are a good alternative when soap isn’;t available.
  2. Avoid Close Contact: If you feel unwell, keep your distance from others, stay home and rest. Try not to go out in public and if you must, wear a mask and maintain a 2 metre distance from those around you. Mooloolaba Beach Pharmacy even has a home delivery service staffed by an enrolled nurse: let us take care of you!
  3. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep your immune system functioning at its best.
  4. Disinfect High-Touch Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and shared items like phones and tablets. This is particularly important in communal areas in the home.
  5. Get Vaccinated: If you haven’t received your flu shot, consider getting vaccinated. While flu season peaks in winter, the vaccine can still offer protection if you encounter the virus during the summer months. We offer a variety of vaccinations in store to help boost your immunity.
  6. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: There really is no replacement for a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep. A strong immune system is your best defence against illness.
  7. Be Aware of Symptoms: If you do start feeling unwell, pay attention to your symptoms. Early intervention can help prevent spreading illness to others and get better sooner.

There’s nothing worse than a summer cold or flu, and the Mooloolaba Beach Pharmacy is here to help. Our beautiful team loves caring for our customers: help them help you by practicing good hygiene in our store.