Why do you usually get the flu when it’s hot? The possible reasons

Why do you usually get the flu when it’s hot? The possible reasons
Why do you usually get the flu when it’s hot? The possible reasons

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.

During the hot season, it is common to want to minimize clothing and seek freshness, but if you are sick with the flu, this situation can be quite uncomfortable.

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.

Dr. Michael Pichichero, a pediatrician and infectious diseases researcher at the Rochester General Hospital Research Institute in New York, explains that, although rhinoviruses are the main cause of colds in winter, in summer, the scenario changes.

“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.

 
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