Spring Viruses and Common Colds: What You Should Know
Have you been feeling under the weather lately, maybe with some kind of bug or those classic allergy symptoms? You’re not alone. It seems many people are battling a wave of spring illnesses. According to insights from the public health source “Your Local Epidemiologist” and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, common cold cases in the United States peaked around mid-May.
Dr. Ashley Drews, who specializes in infectious diseases at Houston Methodist in Texas, shares that this trend is also visible in their local data, which generally aligns with national patterns.
Viruses that cause colds, particularly rhinovirus, are currently decreasing, though they’re not at their lowest yet. It’s expected that as summer approaches, these rates will continue to drop. This fluctuation could help explain why you’ve felt sick recently, despite the warmer weather.
“Spring often sees a peak in rhinoviruses, which can be confusing since it’s also allergy season with all that pollen floating around,” Dr. Jill Foster, a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School, explained.
Distinguishing between allergies and a cold can be tricky, but there are some key indicators. Unlike colds, allergies don’t trigger fevers, and antihistamines, such as Zyrtec and Benadryl, tend to alleviate allergic reactions without much effect on colds.
If you’re dealing with symptoms like congestion, a runny nose, or fatigue alongside a fever, it likely means you’ve caught a cold. “And it’s possible to have both allergies and a cold simultaneously,” Foster added.
If you find yourself unwell but uncertain if it’s a cold or allergies, it’s wise to limit contact with others, Foster recommended.
Good News: Fewer Colds Expected Soon
Looking ahead, you can expect colds to become less common in the upcoming months. Dr. Drews noted, “There’s a seasonal pattern to this. As many kids recently finished school, there’s less close contact, which helps curb the spread of respiratory viruses.”
“It’s one reason we’re seeing a drop, along with the usual seasonal decline of rhinovirus during summer,” she added. People typically spend more time outdoors in warm weather, where the risk of spreading illnesses is lower than in confined indoor spaces.
Furthermore, with vacations, fewer individuals are gathered in office settings, which may also limit virus transmission.
A second peak in cold cases typically occurs in the fall, as people retreat indoors and back to schools, leading to increased virus circulation.
Protect Yourself, Even in Warm Weather
Even though we’ve passed the peak for colds, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear just yet. “Colds are still around, and we’re seeing ongoing circulation,” Drews stated.
To guard against colds this summer (and all year long), frequent handwashing is crucial, according to Foster. Whenever you’re out in public—touching door handles, light switches, railings—make sure to wash your hands often. Always clean your hands before eating or touching your face, Drews advised.
It’s also wise to steer clear of others who are coughing or sneezing. If you’re feeling sick, it’s best to stay home to avoid spreading germs.
For most, a cold is merely a minor annoyance that lasts a few days, but it can pose serious risks for children with asthma, immunocompromised individuals, and those with underlying health conditions. This makes it especially important to practice good health habits and stay home when unwell.
Keeping a healthy routine—getting enough rest and staying hydrated—can also help fortify your immune system. If you start noticing a scratchy throat or runny nose, it’s a good idea to treat those symptoms and drink plenty of fluids. This way, you can recover quickly and get back to enjoying summer.
