Summer brings warm weather and outdoor activities, but it’s worth noting that cold and flu symptoms can still make an appearance. This might seem surprising to some, especially since it’s commonly believed that fewer germs circulate during the hotter months. However, summer sniffles can indeed happen.
Recent federal data suggests that COVID-19 cases are rising in many states, with emergency room visits increasing across age groups. So, what do we need to know about viruses during the summer?
What’s the current situation with colds and flu?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of people seeking medical care for COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is currently low. While flu cases are declining and RSV levels remain stable, COVID-19 is showing an upward trend nationwide. Wastewater data indicate a “moderate” level of COVID-19 activity.
The CDC’s monitoring shows that the XFG variant, informally called stratus, is now the most common variant in the U.S. Stratus is known for causing a particularly painful sore throat and is classified by the World Health Organization as a “variant under monitoring.” Fortunately, vaccines remain effective against it, although it can slightly evade the immune response.
Experts predict that COVID-19 might settle into a seasonal pattern similar to other coronaviruses, but there have been unexpected surges in late summer. Dr. Dean Blumberg from UC Davis Children’s Hospital points this out.
There are also other viruses making the rounds, such as the one that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease, which shares some symptoms with a cold but also leads to sores and rashes. Another one you might hear about is norovirus, often referred to as stomach flu.
Do viruses really spread less in the summer?
It’s a known fact that many viruses are seasonal, spiking during fall and winter. So yes, it’s true that less people tend to get colds in the summer, but cold weather itself doesn’t cause them. It’s more about our habits, according to experts. With warmer weather, people open windows and socialize outdoors, reducing the chances for germs to spread.
That said, respiratory viruses still exist. When temperatures rise, people retreat indoors to air conditioning, which can lead to increased illness. In very hot areas, summer can kind of feel like cold season in its own way.
Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an ER doctor and researcher at Arizona State University, mentioned that on the East Coast, winter is traditionally the sick season. However, in hotter states, summer also sees quite a few illnesses because people are often inside together.
Should you consider another COVID-19 booster?
For generally healthy individuals, the timing of vaccinations is crucial. Ideally, you’d want to get boosted a few weeks before a significant event. But many experts think it’s advisable to hold off until fall, as winter months often see a spike in COVID cases.
Dr. Costi Sifri from the University of Virginia highlights that it’s essential to be protected when you need it most. Those at higher risk should definitely consult with their healthcare providers about their specific needs and may require more frequent boosters.
Are younger kids getting sicker from COVID-19?
Recent data from the CDC indicates an uptick in emergency room visits among young children, particularly those under four. This is not surprising. Many of these little ones are getting COVID for the first time, and some remain unvaccinated.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated that healthy kids might no longer need the vaccine, a stance some health experts dispute as lacking scientific backing. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics still advocates for COVID shots for children over six months old.
What can I do to reduce my risk?
Doctors recommend sticking to the same preventive measures for colds, flu, and COVID-19 that you would any other time of the year, even in summer. So, get outside when possible, wash your hands frequently, wear a mask if needed, and, importantly, stay home if you’re feeling unwell.
