Overview:

The CDC recently reported that the month of August has seen a rise in COVID. Since warmer weather is not as associated with sickness as colder, it’s important to understand why this might be happening. Also, it’s essential to look at two of the most common strains of COVID this summer and other illnesses one can succumb to even in a hot climate.

It’s almost the middle of August, and although many schools are now back in session, the ‘official’ summer season will last for another month. That means people will still be wearing shorts as they go to the grocery store or a movie theater. You may still see people in tank tops as they mow their lawns. However, there’s something that you can’t see, which may also be present.

Summer blues? or Summer COVID

The summer season is not usually associated with a time of year when people get sick. Arguably, most people associate that with the cold winter and even the latter part of fall. However, the CDC recently released data indicating that COVID-19 activity is increasing in many regions of the United States.

There’s no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic, which began in early 2020, changed many people’s outlook and behavior. Although social distancing is no longer the norm and you don’t see as many people wearing masks nowadays, one could argue that the intense paranoia about becoming ill that the COVID-19 pandemic instilled in many individuals persists. Nonetheless, it seems as though a significant number of people have recently succumbed to the virus. Since the present is still a very warm time of year, it’s important to understand some of the possible reasons why this is occurring.

Reasons Warmer Weather May Conceivably Cause an Increase in COVID Cases

Warm Weather Behavior

The national restrictions on interacting with other people that were prevalent for a few years after the COVID-19 pandemic started are no longer in place. Therefore, people interact with each other much more than they did this time four years ago, and especially five years ago. With the summer still being the hottest time of year for many parts of the United States, many people feel more comfortable socializing indoors where there is air conditioning. Constant contact with others, combined with the indoor environment, can possibly increase the chances of succumbing to a certain COVID-19 strain, or any other type of virus, for that matter. The vast mixing of the population makes it easier for viruses, especially certain strains of COVID-19, to spread.

Travel

As stated, many schools have already started back. While this may indicate that fewer families are traveling compared to a month ago, it also suggests that some have just completed last-minute adventures before school started. Furthermore, some college and graduate students who haven’t started back yet may be traveling at this time. Let’s not forget that some people must travel year-round for their jobs, too. Interacting with others while traveling, particularly in air-conditioned indoor spaces, may increase the likelihood of becoming ill.

COVID-19 Strains This Summer

Much of the data taken from the CDC concerning many of the different COVID-19 strains revealed that many of them either peaked or were very prevalent throughout the month of August. For instance, the Delta variant was very prominent during August of 2021, whereas BA.5, one of the Omicron subvariants, was strong in the summer of the following year. The EG.5 variant (“Eris”) showed many cases in the summer of 2024.

Currently, a variant known as NB.1.8.1 “Nimbus” is now the most dominant in the United States, having accounted for 43% of cases as of June 21st, according to the CDC. Stratus, the XFG variant, is in the news as the CDC says it is rising in the U.S. The CDC even said that it was the summer’s third most common strain, with 14% of cases in the United States recorded in June.

According to the CDC, these are some of the general symptoms of the COVID-19 virus

Fever or chills
Cough
Shortness of Breath or Difficulty Breathing
Fatigue
Muscle or Body Aches
Headache
New Loss of Taste or Smell
Congestion or Runny Nose:
Sore Throat
Fatigue
Nausea or vomiting

Steps to Take to Possibly Protect Yourself

In terms of staying protected from the COVID-19 virus, the CDC suggests the following:

Stay current with COVID-19 vaccines.

(Although vaccinated people can still become infected, staying up-to-date on COVID-19 vaccines significantly lowers the risk.)

Make sure to practice good hygiene.

(Wash your hands after using the bathroom and before handling food.)

When You Are Sick:

If you are exhibiting respiratory problems, stay home.

It’s not just COVID, though

While COVID rates have been rising alarmingly this summer, other distinct types of viruses are also exhibiting unique patterns. Mycoplasma pneumoniae causes respiratory infections. Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections are usually mild, but some, like “walking pneumonia,” can be severe. On August 8^TH, the CDC revealed that respiratory infections caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae remain somewhat high in certain parts of the United States.

The CDC also said that cases of pertussis (whooping cough) have been relatively high. Whooping cough is said to be very contagious.

Although they are generally not as prevalent as in the colder months, cases of the flu and colds have been reported during the final days of summer. Moving from an air-conditioned room to the intense heat outside may very well be a factor in people getting summer colds and even the flu.

Respiratory Issues/Prevention Strategies

The CDC recommends several prevention strategies when it comes to many respiratory issues. The following are some of them:

Make sure your immunizations are up-to-date.
Maintain great hygiene
When you have a respiratory virus:

Use masks to prevent the spread of germs to others; maintain a clean environment.

Looking Towards Fall

Although fall is around the corner, the hot weather will definitely linger in many parts of the United States. While in the midst of this hot weather, we see people with tank tops and shorts; there are certain things floating around in the air that we can’t see. That’s why it’s best to stay as prepared as possible.