Summer Colds, COVID-19 and Related Facts: Uncover Key Info Here
In the heart of summer, it's important to be aware of the viruses that pose a threat to our health. According to recent reports, emergency room visits among young children have been on the rise, possibly due to the increasing number of children contracting COVID-19 for the first time or being unvaccinated.
The American Academy of Pediatrics continues to endorse COVID-19 vaccinations for children older than 6 months. Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an emergency room doctor and Arizona State University researcher, notes that people tend to spend more time indoors during the summer in Arizona, which can contribute to an increase in people getting sick.
While COVID-19 is often associated with winter, summer surges have been observed as well, driven by new variants like NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus). Dr. Costi Sifri of the University of Virginia Health System advises that people should get vaccinated at a time that is most important for them, emphasising that older adults and those with weak immune systems may need more boosters than others.
For otherwise healthy individuals, it may be beneficial to wait until fall to receive a COVID-19 booster, as winter cases of COVID-19 are expected to increase.
Common viruses circulating in the summer include West Nile virus, COVID-19, and occasionally influenza and other respiratory viruses. West Nile virus (WNV) is a mosquito-borne virus that usually begins circulating in summer and continues into fall, especially in southern and western U.S. states where mosquitoes are active. It spreads when a mosquito bites an infected bird and then bites a human. Importantly, WNV is not spread person-to-person but through mosquito bites, which are more prevalent in warm months.
Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 still circulate in the summer, although influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) tend to be less active. As of summer 2025, influenza and RSV activity were reported to be low. Respiratory viruses generally spread differently in winter because colder temperatures and indoor crowding increase transmission, whereas in summer, outdoor activities and higher humidity might reduce respiratory virus spread but enable vector-borne viruses like WNV.
Other viruses discussed in recent outbreak updates include pertussis, measles, and mpox, which may have variable seasonality and modes of transmission and are monitored continuously during the year.
In summary, in summer: - Vector-borne viruses like West Nile virus are common due to active mosquitoes and transmission cycles involving birds and humans. - Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 still circulate, sometimes driven by new variants and human behaviour; however, influenza and RSV tend to be less active. - Spread modes differ with vector-borne viruses relying on insect vectors, whereas respiratory viruses spread through close human contact, droplets, and aerosols but tend to transmit more efficiently in winter due to indoor crowding and environmental factors.
Stay safe this summer by following the same precautions that help prevent colds, flu, and COVID-19 during other times of the year: spending time outside, washing hands, wearing masks, and staying home when sick.
- Keeping up with the news is crucial to stay informed about the current health status and any new medical-conditions like the Nimbus variant of COVID-19 that can pose a threat in summer.
- Toronto emergency rooms have seen an increase in visits by young, unvaccinated children during the summer, according to recent reports.
- The weather in Toronto, or any other city, can impact health by encouraging people to spend more time indoors, potentially leading to an increase in respiratory-conditions like COVID-19.
- Mental health is an essential aspect of health-and-wellness, and it's vital to prioritize it through fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth activities during the summer.
- The Arts community in Toronto can play a significant role in promoting health-and-wellness by creating awareness about topics like fitness-and-exercise, nutrition, and mental health through their work.
- The education system should incorporate information about chronic-diseases like COVID-19, respiratory-conditions, and their prevention methods in the curriculum to ensure a healthy and informed future generation.
- For people struggling with chronic illnesses, it's essential to manage their conditions effectively to avoid complications during the summer, as warmer temperatures and increased outdoor activities could impact their health.
- CBD has been suggested as a potential treatment for various medical-conditions, and it may be worth exploring its benefits for managing health problems during the summer months.
- Career-development can also contribute to overall health and well-being, as professional growth and a satisfying job can lead to reduced stress levels, better mental health, and an improved quality of life.
