Influenza, a viral infection, peaks in winter but can still be contracted during the summer, although less common. Now the question arises: Can you get the flu in the summer too?
Flu cases in summer are influenced by factors such as lower flu virus circulation, strains like influenza B, and international travel and migration. These factors increase susceptibility to infection, especially in those without vaccination or with lower immunity.
It's crucial to remain vigilant and take precautions to minimize flu transmission risks during the summer.
Causes of Transmittable Flu in Summer
Although the flu virus is more frequently linked to the winter, several other plausible causes are causing flu-like symptoms in the summer:
Other respiratory viruses, such as the rhinovirus, adenovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), can also cause flu-like symptoms as the influenza virus. These viruses can spread all year long and can produce flu-like symptoms.
Enteroviruses cause respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, often causing flu-like symptoms, especially during summer.
Pollen and other allergens in the air tend to be more prevalent during the summer. Symptoms of allergies, which could be confused with the flu, include nasal congestion, sneezing, sore throats, and exhaustion.
Summer travel increases exposure to various viral strains, potentially causing flu-like symptoms and increased risk of transmission.
Summer environmental factors increase respiratory infection susceptibility due to temperature, humidity, and air conditioning.
Effectiveness of Flu Shot for Prevention of Flu throughout the Year
The chance of getting the flu throughout the year can be significantly decreased by getting a flu vaccine every year. It efficiently offers protection in the following ways:
Scientists and health organizations monitor flu strains and predict their prevalence, developing a seasonal flu vaccine. Obtaining the shot exposes individuals to inactivated or weakened strains, triggering protective antibodies.
This vaccine triggers an immune response, producing antibodies targeting the vaccine strains, neutralizing or preventing infection, and providing immunity against the targeted flu strains.
It offers cross-protection, providing partial defense against closely related strains not specifically included in the formulation. This allows individuals to recognize and respond more effectively to non-vaccine strains, reducing illness severity or preventing it altogether.
The flu vaccine provides significant protection for several months, with antibodies persisting in the body for defense against targeted strains.
How to Diagnose Summer Flu?
A medical evaluation is conducted for individuals with flu-like symptoms during summer, involving a detailed medical history, physical examination, and assessing symptoms. Healthcare providers inquire about the onset, duration, fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, travel history, exposure, and local outbreaks.
Laboratory testing confirms summer flu diagnosis by collecting respiratory samples, detecting influenza viruses, and analyzing those using PCR, viral cultures, or rapid antigen tests. This helps identify the specific viral strain causing symptoms.
Treatment for Summer Flu
Mild to moderate respiratory infections can be treated at home with rest and fluids, and OTC medications such as acetaminophen, pseudoephedrine, or dextromethorphan may be needed for fever relief.
There is a saying that, Prevention is better than cure. By adopting the preventive strategies, you would be able to keep yourself safe from summer flu.
These strategies include proper sleep and exercise, a healthy diet, keeping your hands clean and protecting yourself from the outdoors.
Conclusion
The flu is more common during winter but can still occur during summer. To minimize transmission, individuals should practice good hygiene, get vaccinated, and seek medical attention if flu-like symptoms arise. For same-day flu treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Paramus
