As temperatures rise, many people assume that viruses are only a concern during the winter. However, what you may not know is that certain viruses become more active in the summer—and they can be just as troublesome as their winter counterparts.
Prepared by: Iman Mohammed
Summer Viruses Can Be Dangerous
Here’s a list of common viruses that thrive in warmer weather and can cause significant health issues. Awareness and prevention are essential to avoid spending your summer sick in bed—especially since many of these viruses are food-related.
1. Summer Colds
While colds are typically associated with winter, summer colds are real and unpleasant. The culprits? Enteroviruses, a group of respiratory viruses that spread more in summer months.
According to Parkview Health, symptoms of summer colds are similar to winter ones:
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Sore throat
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Cough
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Runny nose
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Sinus congestion
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Mild fever
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Sometimes digestive issues like nausea or diarrhea
How Are These Viruses Transmitted?
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Through airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing
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By touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your nose or mouth
How to Protect Yourself:
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Wash hands regularly with warm water and soap
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Avoid close contact with sick people
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Boost immunity with zinc, vitamins C and D, and elderberry extract
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Ventilate enclosed spaces and avoid overcrowded areas
2. Food Poisoning
Cases of food poisoning spike during summer, as bacteria and viruses grow more rapidly in warm conditions. Outdoor cooking and improper refrigeration also increase risk.
According to Healthline, around 48 million people in the U.S. suffer from food poisoning each year—many cases caused by viruses, such as:
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Norovirus
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Rotavirus
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Hepatitis A
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Sapovirus and Astrovirus
Common Symptoms:
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Diarrhea
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Vomiting
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Stomach cramps
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Fever
Most Common Causes:
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Eating contaminated or undercooked meat
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Drinking unclean water
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Handling food with dirty hands
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Leaving food unrefrigerated too long
Prevention Tips:
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Wash hands before preparing food and after using the bathroom
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Cook meat thoroughly
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Refrigerate leftovers promptly (within 2 hours)
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Use separate utensils for raw and cooked foods
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Drink only purified or boiled water, especially while traveling
When to See a Doctor
Most cases of foodborne illness resolve on their own, but seek medical help if you experience:
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Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
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Fever over 39°C (102.2°F)
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Blood in urine or stool
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Severe dehydration (dry mouth, low urination, dizziness)
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Trouble seeing or speaking
3. Rotavirus: A Summer Threat to Children
Although several viruses peak in summer, rotavirus is particularly dangerous for children. It’s one of the leading causes of severe watery diarrhea and vomiting in kids.
Rotavirus Symptoms:
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Fever
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Abdominal pain
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Loss of appetite
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Severe diarrhea
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Nausea and vomiting
Though adults can get infected, infants and young children are at higher risk of complications like severe dehydration, which may require hospitalization and IV fluids.
Signs of Dehydration:
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Reduced urination
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Dry mouth
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Dizziness
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Crying without tears
How Is Rotavirus Transmitted?
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Through contact with contaminated surfaces or hands
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By ingesting contaminated food
Note: Good hygiene is important but not enough to fully prevent infection. The most effective protection is early vaccination, which doesn’t completely eliminate infection but reduces severity and complications.
Travel Tips to Avoid Summer Viruses
Travel increases the risk of summer viruses. Here are simple ways to stay healthy while traveling:
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Always carry hand sanitizer
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Avoid eating from unreliable street vendors
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Drink bottled or purified water only
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Pack basic over-the-counter medications (for diarrhea, nausea, etc.)
Final Note
Summer may be fun, but staying healthy requires vigilance. From food safety to personal hygiene, small precautions can prevent big problems. Knowing how to protect yourself and your family from summer viruses means you can enjoy your vacation—without unwanted interruptions.
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