Air conditioning will cause more than 2 million colds this summer

    The Spanish Society of Lung Disorders and Thoracic Surgery (SEPAR) has warned that about two million people will suffer colds, pharyngitis or bronchitic problems this summer as a result of the abrupt temperature changes provoked mainly by the incorrect use of air conditioning.

    The SEPAR experts have offered some guidelines to help avoid what amount to twenty per cent of the respiratory disorders diagnosed throughout the year; wear light clothing to protect you from the cold while your body acclimatises to the temperature change, don't set air conditioning at too low a temperature – never less than 22º c., avoid the dryness caused by air conditioning – keep well hydrated drinking lots of water and keep the filters in the apparatus clean – dirty filters can harbour organisms including Legionnaire's Disease and fungal spores which can cause rhinitis, asthma or pneumonia.