Summer Flu Treatment Specialist in Alexandria, and Ruther Glen VA

The summer flu, which is also known as a “summer cold,” refers to a viral illness that has similar symptoms to the common cold and influenza. As the name describes, this illness occurs during the warmer months. The term “summer flu” is used to describe respiratory infections caused by various viruses, such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, and enterovirus. Common symptoms of this illness include coughing, sneezing, congestion, sore throat, fatigue, and fever.
 
While the summer flu is not usually caused by the influenza virus, it can still cause significant discomfort and disrupt your daily routine. It’s urged to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals, as this will help prevent the spread. If you experience summer flu symptoms, it’s important to rest, stay hydrated, and consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and guidance on managing your illness.

The duration of the summer flu, like any viral illness, varies from person to person. Generally, summer flu symptoms may last about 7 to 10 days. However, some individuals can experience this illness for a shorter or longer period.

Rest, proper hydration, and over-the-counter remedies can reduce your discomfort and speed up your recovery. If your symptoms persist beyond 10 days or worsen, it’s recommended to consult one of our healthcare providers for a proper diagnosis, as prolonged symptoms can indicate a more serious condition such as a secondary infection. Above all, prevention is key to minimizing the spread of the summer flu. By keeping up good hygiene, limiting close contact with sick people, and maintaining a strong immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep, you can reduce your risk of getting sick.

Yes, you can get the flu in the summer. While influenza virus activity is usually more common during the fall and winter months, the flu can still circulate and cause illness in the summer. It’s key to remember that different strains of the flu virus are active at different times of the year, so some strains are more common during the summer months. Getting a flu vaccine is recommended, as this provides an added layer of protection against the most common flu strains. If you develop flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, it’s advised to seek medical guidance and take measures to prevent spreading the virus to others.

The symptoms of the summer flu are similar to those of the respiratory virus that occurs during other seasons. The most commonly reported symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. It’s important to remember that the illness varies in severity on a case-by-case basis. While some people only experience mild symptoms that resolve quickly, other people can develop more severe complications, especially if they have underlying health conditions.
 
As symptoms of the summer flu are so similar to those of other common respiratory illnesses, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for a precise diagnosis. If you suspect you have the flu, it’s necessary to stay hydrated and get adequate rest to expedite your recovery. Furthermore, avoiding close contact with others is of the utmost importance as this will prevent the spread of the virus. Over-the-counter medications can be used to alleviate your discomfort, but if you experience severe symptoms, such as high fever, difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, confusion, or bluish lips, it’s highly urged to seek medical attention promptly.

Yes, summer colds are often contagious. Just like colds that occur in other seasons, summer colds are caused by viruses that easily spread from person to person through close contact, such as shaking hands or touching surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. The viruses responsible for summer colds are just as contagious as the influenza virus which is more common during the cooler months. For this reason, if you’ve caught a summer cold, it’s very important to take precautions to prevent spreading the virus to the people around you.
                                                                                                              
You should practice proper hand hygiene, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and limit close contact with others as much as possible when you are experiencing symptoms. For more information please contact us or use our online check-in. We have convenient locations in Ruther Glen and Alexandria, VA. We serve patients from Alexandria VA, Huntington VA, Arlington VA, Ruther Glen VA, Bagdad VA, Athens VA, Doswell VA, and surrounding areas.