Summer Viruses Are Surging: Why You Might Get Sick Even When It’s Hot
It’s August 2025, and while many are enjoying summer activities, a surprising trend is emerging: a rise in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19. Federal data released last week confirms emergency department visits are climbing, challenging the long-held belief that viruses take a summer break. This isn’t a fleeting anomaly; it signals a potential shift in how we understand – and prepare for – seasonal illnesses.
The Current Viral Landscape: COVID-19 Leads the Charge
Currently, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports relatively low overall activity for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. However, while flu cases are decreasing and RSV remains stable, COVID-19 is demonstrably trending upwards across most of the U.S. Wastewater surveillance indicates “moderate” COVID-19 activity nationwide. The XFG variant, nicknamed Stratus, is now the dominant strain in the country. This variant, while only marginally more immune-evasive according to the World Health Organization, is known for causing a particularly unpleasant “razor blade” sore throat.
Beyond COVID-19: Other Summer Threats
It’s not just COVID-19. Other viruses are also circulating. Hand, foot, and mouth disease, common in children, is making the rounds, as is norovirus – the notorious cause of stomach flu. These illnesses, while often milder than COVID-19, contribute to the overall increase in summer sickness.
Why Summer Viruses? Debunking the Myths
The idea that viruses disappear in warmer months is a misconception. While it’s true that many respiratory viruses exhibit seasonal patterns, peaking in fall and winter, temperature isn’t the sole determinant. Cold weather doesn’t *cause* colds; it simply creates conditions more favorable for viral spread. The key factor is human behavior.
During pleasant weather, people spend more time outdoors with increased ventilation, naturally reducing transmission. However, when temperatures soar, the mass retreat indoors to air conditioning creates a new breeding ground for viruses. In consistently hot climates, like parts of the American Southwest, summer can effectively *become* cold and flu season. As Dr. Frank LoVecchio of Arizona State University explains, “You spend more time indoors” – and that’s where viruses thrive.
The Booster Question: Timing is Everything
With the Stratus variant circulating, the question of booster shots arises. For healthy individuals, experts emphasize the importance of timing. A booster administered a few weeks before a planned trip or event can provide optimal protection. However, for most, waiting until fall, anticipating the expected winter surge in COVID-19 cases, may be a more strategic approach. “You want to be fully protected at the time that it’s most important for you,” advises Dr. Costi Sifri of the University of Virginia Health System.
Individuals at higher risk – older adults and those with compromised immune systems – should consult their physicians about personalized booster recommendations. They may require more frequent vaccinations to maintain adequate protection.
A Rise in Pediatric Cases: Why Young Children Are Vulnerable
The CDC recently noted a concerning increase in emergency room visits among children under four. This is largely due to the fact that many young children are experiencing their first infection or remain unvaccinated. While Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s recent recommendation against COVID-19 shots for healthy children lacks scientific backing, the American Academy of Pediatrics continues to endorse vaccination for children over six months of age.
Protecting Yourself: The Usual Suspects Still Apply
The preventative measures remain consistent: spend time outdoors when possible, practice diligent handwashing, consider wearing a mask in crowded indoor settings, and, crucially, stay home if you’re feeling unwell. These simple steps, while familiar, are still the most effective tools in mitigating the spread of summer viruses.
Looking Ahead: A New Normal for Seasonal Illness?
The expectation that COVID-19 will eventually settle into a predictable winter seasonal pattern, like other coronaviruses, may not fully materialize. The past few years have demonstrated a capacity for late-summer surges, suggesting a more complex dynamic. The emergence of new variants, like Stratus, underscores the virus’s ability to adapt and evade immunity. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to monitor these developments closely.
What does this mean for the future? We may need to adjust our expectations and prepare for a more prolonged and unpredictable viral season. Staying informed, practicing preventative measures, and following the guidance of public health officials will be crucial in navigating this evolving landscape. What are your predictions for the future of summer viruses? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
