Although the flu and cold are commonly associated with the cold winter, these ailments are not exclusive to this season. In fact, in the warmer months it is also possible to catch the flu, and here we explain why.
The United States National Institute of Health indicates that more than 200 different viruses can cause cold symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy throat, and runny nose. These signs are often precursors to a common cold.
“During the summer months, we are probably talking about a non-polio enterovirus infection,” says Pichichero. These viruses can affect various tissues, including those in the nose, throat, and digestive system.
“When you talk about summer colds, you’re probably talking about a non-polio enterovirus infection,” says the expert.
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Although some enteroviruses can cause severe diseases such as polio, in Western countries most of these have been eradicated thanks to vaccines. Non-polio enterovirus types are common and cause 10 to 15 million infections annually in the country, primarily between June and October.
How to avoid the flu during the hot season?
To avoid getting sick during the hot season, several preventive measures are recommended:
- Frequent hand washing: It is crucial to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially before eating, and after using the bathroom or blowing your nose.
- Use of air conditioning or fans: maintaining good ventilation in closed spaces helps reduce the concentration of viruses in the air. It is vital to ventilate rooms and other closed spaces daily.
- Avoid sudden changes in temperature: Extreme fluctuations in temperature can weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections.
- Cleaning and disinfecting surfaces: Viruses can survive on surfaces for hours or even days. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, such as door handles and switches, is essential to prevent infection.
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*This content was rewritten with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from El Universal (GDA), and was reviewed by a journalist and an editor.