Catching a common cold in the summertime can be even more miserable than suffering the average winter cold. Although a person is four times more likely to catch a cold in the more frigid months of the year, cold viruses are in the environment seven days a week, and 365 days a year. The common cold never takes a holiday, although it may end up destroying yours.
The common cold can be caused by any one of hundreds of different viruses. That's why there is no vaccine (疫苗). In the warm and wet summer months, it is harder for airborne illnesses to spread, since water drops in the air are attracted to tiny viruses, weighing them down and ultimately grounding them. The influenza (流行性感冒) virus survives better in chilly, rather than warm weather. This is why influenza is a winter illness.
The common cold, although it can be spread through the air, is more often spread through touch. People are also more often in close, indoor contact during colder months, making it easier to spread viruses both by air and by touch.
Summer colds do still occur. The air in airconditioned environments dries out your nose, where cold viruses grow, making it easier for them to influence your health. On hot days, people flock to airconditioned environments. The workplace is one example, where many people repeatedly touch the same objects, leaving behind viruses.
How to prevent a summer cold? One of the easiest and best defenses against many types of diseases that spread by touch is thorough and frequent hand washing. Clean frequentlytouched surfaces in the home or in the office, such as doorknobs, handles, and light switches. When the weather is nice, spend time outdoors enjoying summer!
36. What can we learn from the first paragraph?
A.It is near impossible for people to catch a cold in summer. |
B.Cold viruses exist around us all the time. |
C.People are more likely to catch a cold during a holiday. |
D.Summer colds are totally different from winter colds. |
37. According to the passage, influenza viruses ________.
A.survive better in dry environments |
B.spread more quickly through touch |
C.prefer outdoor environments to indoor environments |
D.spread more easily in summer |
38. What is Paragraph 4 mainly about?
A.How to cure a cold. |
B.What causes a cold. |
C.Where to stay in summer. |
D.Why people get summer colds. |
39. In the last paragraph, in order to prevent colds in summer, you are advised to ________.
A.use airconditioners less frequently |
B.wash your hands every time you touch the doorknob |
C.do outdoor activities |
D.go to crowded places less often |