Breaching the Summer Blues - A Guide to Colds and Coughs in the Sunny Season
- Penned by Frank Ochmann
- Duration Approx. 1 Min
Strategies to Safeguard Against Summer Flu: Essential Measures to Consider - Secure Yourself: Strategies to combat the Summer Flu Epidemic
Bid farewell to the congested and cough-filled winters! You might think the balmy winds and sunshine offer a respite from cold and cough misery, but hold on tight. The summer months can still host an array of intruders ringing the bell of your respiratory system, from pollen allergies to sneaky viral culprits hiding in plain sight.
You'd be surprised. Those burdened by seasonal allergies already know—climate change relocates blooming seasons, and it's almost year-round that allergen-laden irritants swirl around, from hazel to mugwort.
But the warmth doesn't necessarily banish lurking microorganisms. Surprisingly, even the influenza or Covid aren't limited to their customary winter domains. Their cunning viruses linger on. Yet, it's usually other devious opponents that rule in these warm seasons, playing the game of chance with similar telltale signs.
The spread of these rogue germs differs from winter: Rather than chest-bound pathogens that circulate in enclosed quarters, during summer, contamination-by-contact—or smear infections—take the stage. Germs travel most commonly through hand-to-hand contact and are often linked with viruses within the adenovirus family and bacteria like some mycoplasmas.
Now, say hello to the so-called "summer flu"—not so cute, is it? A name that seems harmless, yet it might not always be.
Viral Scoundrels and Their Coast-to-Coast Invasion
Allow us to introduce you to some of the infamous summer guests and their preferred travel methods:
- Viruses:
- The Tour: Viral infections can sneakily take over through respiratory droplets, and they love crowded areas during summer events or festivals[4].
- Symptoms: You guessed it: cough, cold, fever, sore throat, and a runny nose.
- Allergens:
- The Itinerary: Allergens like pollen and dust reach peak levels during summer. Once they make you sneeze, they might lead to symptoms reminiscent of a cold[3].
- Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, congestion, and cough.
- Bordetella pertussis (Whooping Cough):
- The Trip: This bacterial boss moves from person to person by hitching a ride on coughs and sneezes. Vaccination doesn't always guarantee immunity, allowing the bacteria to take a stance[5].
- Symptoms: A telltale cough with a whooping sound, frequent vomiting, and abundant mucus production.
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Influenza:
- The Expedition: Although rarer in summer, these duplicitous viruses can still sneak through due to close contact or contaminated surfaces[2][4].
- Symptoms: For RSV, expect minor coughing, a runny nose, and a fever. Flu symptoms include fever, chills, exhaustion, a sore throat, and a cough.
Beyond Social Distancing - Your Summer Safety Aquisition
To combat these pesky pathogens, consider the following measures for your personal safety armoury:
- Hand Hygiene: Regular handwashing is a must.
- Vaccinations: Make certain your and your loved ones' vaccinations are up-to-date, covering essentials like the flu and whooping cough jabs[1].
- Space: Maintain ample room between you and anyone who shows signs of being unwell.
- Cleanliness: Keep rubbing those frequently touched surfaces and objects with a disinfecting cloth or wipe.
Stay healthy out there, folks!
- The summer season, despite its warmth, can still harbor several respiratory conditions such as the so-called "summer flu" caused by viral infections, allergens, or even bacteria like Bordetella pertussis.
- Science plays a crucial role in understanding the causes and symptoms of these summer-linked medical conditions, including the spread of viral scoundrels and their preferred travel methods.
- To maintain health and wellness during the summer months, it is essential to follow preventative measures such as hand hygiene, vaccinations, maintaining space from the sick, and practicing cleanliness to combat these summer respiratory conditions and their cunning summer guests. Additionally, considering mental health support, like CBD, may help manage stress or anxiety induced by these health concerns.
