At any point during the year, you’re likely to fall victim to the common cold. A runny nose, sore throat, coughing and sneezing can keep you under layers of blankets and tissues. But it’s finally summer and who wants to be stuck inside on a hot and sunny day? According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), winter colds are caused by rhinoviruses but summer colds are caused by more resilient enteroviruses. The irony of summer colds is that they can last longer than winter colds and may make you feel even worse. Follow these tips to stay healthy throughout the season.

Watch: Natural Cold Cures

Beware of Blasting Air Conditioners

As much as you may be tempted to turn up the air conditioner on a hot summer day, you may be making your body more prone to infection, according to Ronald Eccles, director of the Common Cold Centre at Cardiff University in Wales. Transitioning from warm to cold environments can suppress the immune system and cooler environments dry out the protective mucus membrane in the nose. Use your air conditioner when necessary but keep it on a low or medium setting and let your body gradually adjust to the temperature change.

More: 5 Ways to Keep Cool in the Summer Heat