There's something that just seems unfair about catching a cold or flu in the middle of summer, and apparently a nasty cold is making its way around the Sacramento region.
Dr. Julie Vails, a physician with a family practice in Elk Grove, said she has seen a lot of colds this month, and many ear infections in both children and adults.
"You can get a cold at any time, but a nice solid boost of cold is not that common in July," she said.
While a bad cold in summer isn't necessarily indicative of a worse cold and flu season in the fall and winter, doctors are expecting a tough season due to the H1N1 virus due to its ability to spread rapidly.
"We think it's going to spread like the flu, but it tends to wreak a little more havoc and is a little more dangerous," Vails said.
If you do happen to catch a cold this summer, treat it as you would a cold caught in the winter - rest, chicken soup, sleep.
"We tend to let illness drag us down because we're trying hard to pretend like it's not there," she said.
And remember - just because its sunny and warm outside doesn't mean you can slack on cold prevention.
Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and stay away from people who are sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.
For other prevention tips, go to the CDC's Web site.
Dr. Julie Vails, a physician with a family practice in Elk Grove, said she has seen a lot of colds this month, and many ear infections in both children and adults.
"You can get a cold at any time, but a nice solid boost of cold is not that common in July," she said.
While a bad cold in summer isn't necessarily indicative of a worse cold and flu season in the fall and winter, doctors are expecting a tough season due to the H1N1 virus due to its ability to spread rapidly.
"We think it's going to spread like the flu, but it tends to wreak a little more havoc and is a little more dangerous," Vails said.
If you do happen to catch a cold this summer, treat it as you would a cold caught in the winter - rest, chicken soup, sleep.
"We tend to let illness drag us down because we're trying hard to pretend like it's not there," she said.
And remember - just because its sunny and warm outside doesn't mean you can slack on cold prevention.
Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth and stay away from people who are sick, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends.
For other prevention tips, go to the CDC's Web site.
