Is my air conditioner making me sick with a cold?

As Covid-19 numbers dwindle this summer, there are other common illnesses to keep in mind despite the steamy summer temperatures: the common cold and sinus infections. The culprit that people tend to blame is the frigid air coming from your air conditioner. While many believe the transition from hot air outside to cold air inside is solely to blame, that’s not always the case.

Since these illnesses are known for spreading during the colder months, it might feel a bit wrong to be sick in the summer. According to the National Institute of Health, summer colds and sinus infections are not as uncommon as we think.

In fact, the chances of contracting the rhinovirus, also known as the common cold, are about the same if you were to catch the virus during the winter.

Sinus Infection, Summer Cold, or Allergies

As a strange oxymoron, a common cold in the heat of the summer is something many would not expect, especially with more people venturing outdoors.

It’s also difficult to tell whether you’ve woken up with severe seasonal allergies, a cold, or a sinus infection because the symptoms are so similar. They all include symptoms of a runny nose, congestion, sneezing, coughing, or a sore throat. A cold, however, will also include a fever, fatigue, sweating, and shivering.

While all three conditions are unpleasant, symptoms can be managed through drinking plenty of fluids, keeping an eye on your body temperature, resting, and taking cold relief medications as needed. Like any other respiratory infection, your doctor might also prescribe you antibiotics to help you get rid of your sinus infection.

Because a cold is viral, antibiotics cannot be prescribed. It’s important to remember that if cold symptoms persist or worsen, it could turn into a sinus infection.

Debunking The Myth: Air Conditioning Filters Are Not Making You Sick

There is also the common misconception that the air filter on an air conditioner is to blame for inhabiting and distributing viruses, mold spores, and other allergens from the outside. While mold or allergens can seep in if an air filter is not regularly changed, the same cannot be said for a virus. A few things that can lead to the development of the common cold or a sinus infection include:

• Close contact with another individual who has the common cold
• Untreated and prolonged cold symptoms that could turn into a sinus infection
• Lack of sleep can cause your immune system to become more vulnerable to infection

For seasonal allergy sufferers, your AC filter could benefit from being changed out every 90 days. Purchasing a specialized air conditioner allergy filter might be your next best option if you continue to suffer from seasonal allergies inside your home.

Air Conditioning Service In University City

With the sweltering heat and humidity St. Louis experiences each summer, it is vital for you to have an air conditioning contractor you can trust. Classic Aire Care has been servicing the air conditioning and heating needs of St. Louis residents for nearly 100 years and is happy to help you at any time. If your AC is overdue on its service needs, then give us a call today.