Summer Flu Insights For 2024: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options
Health
Published on: 15-May-2024
10 min read
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Lalita Vishwakarma
Summer Flu Insights For 2024: Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options
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Although summer is usually synonymous with sunshine and leisure, there remains a risk of contracting the flu, despite its usual association with colder months. While influenza viruses are more prevalent in the fall and winter, they continue to circulate throughout the year, making summer flu a distinct possibility. This curious phenomenon presents a unique challenge for public health officials and individuals, as flu-like illnesses can still occur in warmer weather.
This blog delves into the scientific insights surrounding the 2024 summer flu. It's important to be aware of the factors that can increase the likelihood of catching the flu in the summer, as well as knowing the symptoms and prevention strategies. So, read the blog to learn about the summer flu causes its symptoms, and treatment options!
Table of Contents
1. What Is Summer Flu?
2. Summer Flu Causes
3. Symptoms Of Summer Flu
4. Summer Flu Treatments
5. Expert’s Advice
6. The Final Say
7. FAQs
8. References
What Is Summer Flu?
The Summer flu, caused by the influenza virus, is a highly contagious disease primarily affecting the respiratory system. While in tropical countries like India, influenza activity remains relatively constant throughout the year, in the Southern Hemisphere, it peaks between April and September.
Most people experience the symptoms of the summer flu during the summer season. Common symptoms include fever, chills, headache, sore throat, fatigue, and, in severe cases, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Summer Flu Causes
Here are the most common causes of summer flu that you should be aware of:
1. Viral Infection
Although it is a common misconception that the common cold spreads only in cold weather, it can spread all year round. Different influenza viruses, such as influenza A (H1N1) and influenza B, may still be active during the summer months. These diseases can spread through respiratory fluids when a patient coughs, sneezes, or talks, causing them to spread even in hot weather.
2. Frequent Travelling
Summer is generally the travel season when people go on vacations, hikes, and trips worldwide. Increased travel exposes people to different places, weather conditions, and people, making it easier for the disease to spread. Airports, aeroplanes, restaurants, and travel destinations can become breeding grounds for the virus, leading to summer flu.
3. Close Contact With The Infected Person
Summer brings people together for many outdoor activities, gatherings, and events such as barbecues, picnics, festivals, and sports. These gatherings are often associated with social and crowded environments, providing favourable conditions for spreading respiratory infections. Additionally, children going to summer camps or daycare will help spread the flu among themselves and their families.
4. Weakened Immune System
Climate change, humidity levels and air conditioning use during the summer months can affect the immune system. Exposure to heat, high temperatures, and cold can stress the body, leading to weak immune system symptoms and more infections. People with underlying health problems or physical conditions may be at greater risk for summer flu.
5. Seasonal Allergies
Among the many seasonal diseases in summer, the most prevalent are seasonal allergies like allergic rhinitis or hay fever. Allergies can weaken the lungs and cause pain and inflammation in the nose and sinuses. This creates a favourable environment for infection, as compromised immunity makes people more susceptible to flu and other respiratory diseases.
6. Vector-Borne Diseases
In some areas, the summer coincides with the season of diseases like dengue fever and Zika or mosquito-borne diseases like chikungunya. Although these viruses are not directly related to the flu, they can cause symptoms such as fever, headache, and muscle aches. Additionally, the association with malaria and vector-borne diseases leads to overlapping symptoms and diagnostic problems.
7. Variability of Flu Strains
Flu viruses make a difference as new viruses constantly emerge due to genetic mutations or replication events. Some strains may exhibit seasonal patterns, while others may spread throughout the year. During the summer months, certain flu strains become dominant, causing local epidemics or flu clusters in certain regions or communities.
Symptoms Of Summer Flu
Individuals suffering from summer flu can experience the following symptoms:
Fever or Chills
Cough
Sore Throat
Runny or Stuffy Nose
Muscle or Body Aches
Fatigue
Headache
Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhoea
Loss of Appetite
Sneezing
Chest Discomfort
Summer Flu Treatments
Here are some of the best treatment options that you can try to prevent summer flu:
1. Rest and Fluids
One of the most important ways to cope with summer flu is to get enough rest and stay hydrated. Getting enough rest allows the body to devote resources to fighting infection while staying calm helps prevent dehydration, and thus reduces the chances of developing symptoms like fever and fatigue.
2. Over-The-Counter (OTC)
These medications can help alleviate specific symptoms of summer flu. Some of them are:
Some pain relievers, which include ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce fever, relieve muscle pain, and relieve headaches.
Cough Suppressants: Cough medicines containing dextromethorphan can help relieve a dry cough and reduce coughing.
Decongestants: Oral or nasal decongestants can relieve nasal congestion and make breathing easier.
3. Antiviral Medications
In some cases, doctors may prescribe vaccines to treat summer flu, especially for people who are at high risk of complications or have severe symptoms. These medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) or zanamivir (Relenza), work by blocking the flu virus from multiplying, starting early in the illness and reducing the duration and severity of symptoms.
4. Inhalers and Bronchodilators
People with respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness may benefit from using an inhaler or inhaler to open their airways and breathe properly. This medication is especially useful for patients with asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
5. Fluid Replacement Therapy
For those experiencing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea as part of summer flu symptoms, fluid therapy is important to prevent dehydration. Oral solutions containing sodium and potassium can help restore electrolyte balance and rehydration.
6. Steam Therapy
Bath remedies, such as taking a hot shower or using an inhaler, can help relieve nasal congestion, improve breathing, and reduce mucus production.
7. Gargling With Salt Water
Using warm salt water for gargling can help relieve a sore throat and reduce pain. Gargling with saline water can also help loosen mucus and reduce the risk of secondary infections in your throat.
8. Seeking Medical Attention
Always seek medical guidance if symptoms worsen or if you experience problems such as shortness of breath, persistent chest pain, fever, confusion, or severe dehydration. Your doctor can evaluate your condition, provide appropriate treatment, and offer guidance on effective symptom management.
Also Read: 6 Home Remedies For Viral Fever: ToneOp
Expert’s Advice
It is important to maintain a healthy diet during the cold season. Focus on nutritious foods like fruits, veggies, fibre, proteins, carbs and whole grains to boost your immune system. Do not eat sweet and processed foods that weaken the immune system. If loss of appetite is a problem, choose smaller meals. Supplements such as vitamin C and zinc should be considered to boost immunity. Please consult a nutritionist for personalised advice based on your specific needs and symptoms before eating to help your body recover from the summer flu.
Health Expert
Akshata Gandevikar
The Final Say
People can protect themselves and their loved ones from the summer flu by understanding the causes, recognising the symptoms, and using effective prevention strategies. Remember, the right approach is the key to a healthy and strong summer. Stay safe, stay healthy, and take proactive measures to minimise the risk of catching the summer flu.
FAQ
1. How long does summer flu last?
Summer flu lasts from 3 days to 1-2 weeks.
2. Can you have flu-like symptoms in the summer?
Yes, it is normal to have flu-like symptoms in the summer season. Some of them are:
Sore throat
Fatigue
Cough
Runny nose
Fever
Muscle aches
Chills
3. What preventive measures should we take for summer flu?
Some good preventive measures are:
Wash your hands properly with soap and water.
Covering your mouth & nose while sneezing and coughing.
Minimise physical contact with infected person.
Avoid touching your face frequently
References
About ToneOp
ToneOp is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented health plans with up to 3 Coach support. With a range of Weight Management, Medical Condition, Detox Plans, and Face Yoga Plans, the app also provides premium health trackers, recipes and health content. Get customised diet, fitness, naturopathy & yoga plans and transform yourself with ToneOp.
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