What about summer colds and the COVVI-19 variant called Stratus

Summer heat, outdoor pleasure … and Symptoms of colds and flu?

The three may not go together in the minds of many people: partly due to common myths on germs and partly because many viruses really have lower activity levels in summer.

But it is possible to obtain sniffs – or worse – in summer. Federal data Released on FridayFor example, shows that COVVI-19 tends in most states, with emergency visits among people of all ages.

Here’s what you need to know about summer viruses.

How many colds and the flu is circulating at the moment?

The number of people looking for medical care for three key diseases – COVID -19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV – is currently very low, according to centers for dise Disease Control and Prevention.

The flu is downward and the RSV was stable. But Covid-19 tends in most American states. Data on wastewater from all over the country consider the “moderate” COVI-19 activity.

CDC wastewater also show that the XFG variant – nicknamed Stratus – is the most frequent in the American stratus can cause a “Broadcasting” Broader “ and is considered a “variant under surveillance” by the World Health Organization. The WHO said that the variant was only marginally better to escape the immune systems and the vaccines against it.

Covid-19 is expected to settle in a seasonal winter pattern like other coronaviruses, but in recent years have caused a wave of end of summer, said Dr. Dean Blumberg, head of pediatric infectious diseases at the children’s hospital at California Davis.

Other viruses circulating at this time of year include the one that causes a disease “hand, foot to mouth” – which has symptoms similar to a cold, plus wounds and rashes – and norovirusSometimes called gastric flu.

Are viruses less in summer?

Many viruses circulate seasonally, picking up while time cools in the fall and winter. It is therefore true that fewer people get a blocked nose and a cough in summer – but the cold itself does not cause colds.

It’s not just seasonality. The other factor is our behavior, say the experts. A good weather means that people open windows and gather outside where it is more difficult for germs to spread.

But respiratory viruses are still there. When time is too hot and everyone goes to air conditioning, doctors say they are starting to see more disease. In places where it is really hot for a long time, summer can be the cold season in its own right.

“I grew up on the east coast and everyone gets sick in winter,” said Dr. Frank Lecvecchio, emergency doctor and researcher from Arizona State University. “Many people fall sick in summer here. Why is it? Because you spend more time inside. “

With stratus spreading, should you get another Booster COVID-19?

For people who are in good health, timing is a key consideration to obtain a vaccine. You want to get it a few weeks before this big trip or this marriage, if that’s the reason to be boosted, say the doctors. But, for most people, it may be worth waiting for the fall in anticipation of COVVI-19 winter cases really check.

“You want to be fully protected when it is most important to you,” said Dr. Costi Sifri, of the University of Virginia’s health system.

People at higher risks of complications should always speak with their doctor what suits them best, added Sifri. The elderly and those who have a weak immune system may need more boosters than others, he said.

Do younger children fall sick with COVID-19?

Last month, the CDC noted that emergency visits in children under the age of 4 increased. This makes sense, said Blumberg because many young children get it for the first time or are not vaccinated.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said in May That the blows would no longer be recommended for healthy children, a decision which, according to health experts, lacks a scientific basis. The American Academy of Pediatrics always approves COVVI-19 plans For children over 6 months old.

How can I reduce my risk?

The same things that help prevent colds, influenza and cochem at any other period of the year in summer, say the doctors.

Spend time outside when you can, wash your hands, wear a mask. And if you’re sick, stay at home.

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The Department of Health and Sciences of the Associated Press receives the support of the Department of Science Education from Howard Hughes Medical Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.