Sophie Okolo, MPH

Summer is a time for fun in the sun and enjoying time with family. But it also brings its share of risks, including illnesses that you may not be as susceptible to during other seasons. While you can’t totally eliminate your risk of getting sick, there are some steps you can take to stay healthy this summer:

Summer colds

The symptoms of a cold—runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, cough, and body aches—are brought on by viruses. They are spread in the same way that an influenza virus spreads by touching contaminated surfaces (like doorknobs), coughing or sneezing on people around you, and sharing food and drinks with them.

Seasonal flu

The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. Seasonal flu (the “flu season”) occurs during the winter months in temperate climates when people are indoors more often and have less exposure to sunlight. Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue.

In general, the risk of complications from seasonal flu increases with age for both children and adults. Symptoms can be more severe for older adults and young children who haven’t yet been exposed to certain influenza virus strains. In addition to potentially being hospitalized if they develop complications from their illness (such as pneumonia), older adults may also experience long-term effects from having been infected with seasonal influenzas, such as dying prematurely or living with chronic health problems after recovering from the illness.

Hay fever

Hay fever is a common condition that causes the nose to run and eyes to itch, but it can be easily prevented and treated. Hay fever is caused by pollen, but not all pollen triggers symptoms. Some people are allergic to grass; others are allergic to trees or weeds. The most common culprits are ragweed, birch pollen, and oak pollen.

If you are suffering from hay fever, there are some things you can do to make your summer more bearable. Take a shower after being outside. This will help remove pollen from your skin and hair, which can cause symptoms to flare up hours later. Wearing sunglasses can also help keep pollen out of your eyes.

If possible, try to spend time indoors during high pollen count days. If you must go outside, wear a mask or scarf that covers your nose and mouth.

Finally, be sure to eat well-balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables to stay healthy and strong during the pollen season.

COVID-19

COVID-19 is a viral respiratory illness that spreads through the air. Symptoms include fever, cough, nasal congestion, and sore throat. You can get it from someone who has it, or if you are around someone who has the virus, they cough or sneeze on you. You can read more about what is long covid and how to protect yourself here.

Lyme Disease

The bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi causes Lyme disease. The most common symptom of Lyme disease is a rash, although other symptoms include fever and fatigue. The disease can be treated with antibiotics if caught early enough, but it’s best to seek immediate treatment if you experience any of these symptoms.

In conclusion, taking care of yourself during the summer is important to enjoy it as much as possible.