(VOR News) – What are the COVID-19 symptoms of the flu and cold, the outdoors, and the humidity of summertime?
Due in part to widespread beliefs about germs and the reality that many viruses actually show decreased activity throughout the summer, many people might not be able to make the connection between the three.
In the summer, however, it is possible to get the ordinary cold or worse. For instance, according to federal data released Friday, COVID-19 is spreading across many parts of the nation, and more people of all ages are visiting emergency rooms for medical care.
Here is some information about midsummer viruses.
How common are colds and influenza right now?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are currently few people seeking medical care for the three primary illnesses: respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, and COVID-19.
RSV stayed steady this week, while the flu is declining. However, several states on the mid-Atlantic, southeast, southern, and west coasts are seeing an upsurge in COVID-19 cases.
Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at the University of California Davis Children’s Hospital, said COVID-19 has surged in the late summer recently. Like other coronavirus infections, it is anticipated to gradually settle into a winter seasonal rhythm.
Norovirus, sometimes known as the stomach flu, and the virus that causes “hand, foot, and mouth” disease, which is marked by rashes and ulcers and has symptoms akin to a cold, are other viruses that are common during this season.
Does the summer season hinder the spread of pathogens?
Because viruses are seasonal, they are more common in the fall and winter when temperatures drop. Therefore, cold weather does not induce colds, even though it is true that fewer people get coughs and runny noses in the summer.
There are other factors than seasonality. Experts indicate that human behavior is another contributing factor. Because of the beautiful weather, people are gathering outside and opening windows, which hinders the spread of infections.
However, respiratory infections continue to occur. Physicians claim to have seen a spike in illnesses when temperatures climb too high and people turn inside. In areas where temperatures are consistently high, summer can be considered a separate cold season.
According to Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an Arizona State University researcher and emergency department physician, “I grew up on the East Coast, and everyone gets sick in the winter.” This area experiences a high rate of disease during the summer months. For what reason is the case the case? This is due to the longer time people spend indoors during the summer months.
Should you consider getting another COVID-19 booster?
When obtaining any immunization, timing is crucial for otherwise healthy people. A few weeks prior to a big event, such as a wedding or a long trip, doctors advise people to get a booster shot.
To ascertain the true number of COVID-19 instances during the winter, it could be beneficial for most people to wait until the fall to make the decision. Dr. Costi Sifri of the University of Virginia Health System emphasized the importance of complete protection during this crucial time.
Sifri says those at risk should consult their doctor. He stated that older people and those with weakened immune systems might require more booster shots than others.
Is COVID-19 causing a rise in the frequency of illnesses affecting young children?
The number of children under four who went to the ER was increasing, according to a CDC report last week. This makes sense because, according to Blumberg, a sizable portion of young children are either unvaccinated or receiving their first immunization.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced in May that he will no longer advise healthy youngsters to receive vaccines. However, medical experts have argued that there is no scientific evidence to support this judgment. For kids older than six months, the American Academy of Pediatrics still recommends the COVID-19 vaccine.
What other ways may I reduce my risk?
Doctors say summer cold, flu, and COVID prevention methods are the same as in other seasons.
Wear a respirator, wash your hands, and go outside as much as you can. Additionally, if you are sick, it is recommended that you stay at home.
SOURCE: AP
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