Summer flu, although not as common as flu infections in the fall and winter months, is a health problem that can be seen from time to time and can be challenging. Flu, which is caused by the influenza virus and is highly contagious, is a respiratory disease and is most often effective in cold weather. However, it is also possible to experience flu-like symptoms in the summer months. Influenza viruses are viruses that can be detected not only in the winter months but also at all times of the year. However, flu-like symptoms that are often seen in the summer months are caused by a different cause. If you are looking for answers to questions such as “How many days does summer flu last?”, “How can summer flu be overcome?”, you can review the rest of our content.

What is Summer Flu?

Respiratory tract diseases seen in the summer months are generally called summer flu. Normally, the flu season can be defined as the months between September and April, when the influenza virus is most active. Since the virus continues to exist in other months, it is still possible to encounter flu cases. However, individuals who experience flu symptoms, especially in the summer months, are likely to be experiencing a different condition other than influenza. Many factors such as traveling, frequently switching between hot and cold environments, staying wet for long periods of time, and staying in front of air conditioning increase the risk of catching such infections in the summer months.

The symptoms of the so-called summer flu can be caused by different factors. The most common of these are various viruses and bacteria that tend to be more active in the warmer months.
However, allergies, throat and tonsil infections, insect-borne diseases, bronchitis and pneumonia can also cause flu-like health problems in the summer months. In the case of persistent summer flu, it is very important to be able to identify the cause of the symptoms well for correct and effective treatment.

What Causes Summer Flu?

There are many conditions that can cause flu-like symptoms during the summer months. The most common of these are:

• Colds, also called influenza, are caused by various bacterial or viral agents.
• Gastroenteritis caused by norovirus and rotavirus
• Pneumonia, also called pneumonia
• Bronchitis develops due to inflammation of the tubes called bronchi in the lungs.
• Food poisoning caused by pathogenic microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and parasites
• Lyme disease, a bacterial infection spread through tick bites
• COVID-19 infection
• Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection
• Infections caused by enteroviruses such as coxsackievirus or rhinovirus
• Streptococcal throat and tonsil infections
• Allergic diseases that can bring symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing

In addition to the above conditions, many factors can also cause symptoms similar to the summer flu. Any medication used, any acute or chronic disease that the person has, or any condition related to environmental conditions can cause you to experience flu-like symptoms. It is useful to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially if your symptoms last longer than a few days

What Are the Symptoms of Summer Flu?

Summer flu symptoms include a variety of symptoms that are very similar to seasonal flu and colds. The most common symptoms include:

Nasal Congestion

The most common symptom of summer flu is nasal congestion. The congestion problem seen with a runny nose can be relieved with home applications such as salt water spray and drops, steam inhalation, hot compresses, and sniffing eucalyptus oil.

Sore throat

Along with summer flu, sore throats are also quite common. Especially in summer flu, which is caused by streptococcal throat and tonsil infections, sore throats are inevitable. Honey and warm drinks can be preferred to relieve throat irritation, pain and cough.

Cough

Many factors and diseases that can cause summer flu can also cause coughing. Cough can be in the form of a dry cough or a phlegmy cough. Honey, warm drinks and plenty of water consumption will be effective in relieving cough as well as sore throat.

Sneeze

Infections or allergic reactions can trigger sneezing by causing irritation and itching in the nasal area. Frequently cleaning the nose with water and using antihistamines in allergic reactions can help relieve sneezing.

Head and Body Pains

Common symptoms of respiratory tract infections include headaches and pain in various parts of the body. Muscle and joint pain can be among the first symptoms of the disease. Painkillers can be used by consulting a physician.

Fire

Although rare, fever can be seen in summer flu. In this case, the fever is expected to be mild and antipyretics can be used. In case of a high fever, such as over 39 degrees, health institutions should definitely be consulted.

How Many Days Does Summer Flu Last?

“How many days does it take for summer flu to go away?” is a question frequently asked by patients struggling with disturbing symptoms during the hot summer days. Flu-like symptoms, especially if they are mild, do not always require treatment. Simple infections can heal on their own with rest within a few days. Summer flu caused by any respiratory tract infection rarely lasts longer than a week. Uncomplicated flu or colds usually last 3-7 days. 5 This process may vary in summer flu depending on the cause of the symptoms. If you are experiencing mild symptoms, you can get through this process with some home treatment methods and plenty of rest. However, if you experience symptoms such as very high fever, dark or bloody sputum, shortness of breath, and chest pain, you should see your doctor directly and get examined.

How to Treat and Treat Summer Flu?

Summer flu can be easily overcome with various home care practices and, if necessary, some medical treatments. As with many bacterial and viral infections, the treatment approach for summer flu is to alleviate symptoms and support the natural healing process. Here are some suggestions for those asking, “How to overcome summer flu?” and “How can summer flu pass the fastest?”:

• Rest: Rest is very important for summer flu, as it is for all illnesses, to provide the body with the time and energy it needs to heal. Getting plenty of rest during home treatment for summer flu, especially in the first few days of the illness, can greatly speed up the healing process.
• Drink plenty of water: It is important to ensure that you are drinking enough fluids during infections. To do this, you should drink plenty of water during the day. In addition, you can consume beverages and foods with high fluid content, such as herbal teas and soups.
• Healthy and balanced diet: A healthy and balanced diet is essential to support the immune system and to overcome the disease more easily. Fresh vegetables and fruits, especially those with high vitamin C content, and foods such as meat, milk and eggs, which are sources of protein, can be counted among the things that are good for summer flu.
• Over-the-counter medications: Summer flu symptoms can be quite disturbing in some cases. Painkillers and antipyretics can be used to relieve symptoms such as headache, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, and fever. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before using any medication.
• Medical treatment: In some cases, summer flu may not be easily resolved with home remedies and rest. In cases such as pneumonia or bronchitis, you may need different treatments. Therefore, if you have severe symptoms that last more than a few days, it would be beneficial to consult your doctor and receive treatment.

What are the ways to protect yourself from summer flu?

Some precautions you can take to protect yourself from flu infections during the summer months can help you spend hot days more pleasantly. Some of these precautions are:

• Avoiding close contact with sick people
• Stay away from crowded and stuffy environments as much as possible.
• Covering the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, and guiding other people to do the same
• Washing hands frequently with soap and water, using alcohol-based disinfectants when soap and water are not available
• Not touching the mouth, nose and face with dirty hands

In addition to the above precautions, you can protect yourself from summer flu by taking precautions that will help strengthen your immune system. To do this, you can take care to eat healthy, get enough sleep, and stay physically active. You can also review our other topics that may be related to summer flu, such as “ What causes sore throat? ”, “ What causes nasal congestion? ”, and “ Teas that are good for colds ” to get useful information.

Source

https://www.healthline.com/health/summer-flu#contact-a-doctor
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/summer-flu#similar-illnesses
https://www.verywellhealth.com/can-you-get-the-flu-in-the-summer-770307
https://hola.health/health-info/fevers/why-summer-flu-is-not-actually-a-flu/
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-the-flu-last#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Centers%20for%20Disease%20Control%20and,fatigue%20can%20last %20for%20two%20weeks%20or%20longer
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/313808#eucalyptus-oil
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/220349#treatments
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/220349#causes
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321305