Surprise! COVID-19 Can Strike in the Summer. Here’s What to Do

Summer has the best PR. Winter is known for gray skies, cold temperatures, and seasonal depression, while summer boasts sunshine, swimming pools, and vacations. But don’t let these good vibes fool you; summer isn’t all sunshine, roses and sunscreen application; it’s still possible to get sick in these warmer months. Even from COVID-19.

Many generally associate COVID-19 with cooler weather, but it actually spreads year-round.¹ In fact, COVID-19 rates have risen in July and August every summer since 2020.¹

There are a few reasons for this. For one, as the weather gets hot, we tend to spend more time in air-conditioned, indoor spaces. With the windows closed to keep the cool air inside, ventilation and air circulation – which have been shown to reduce the spread of viruses like COVID-19 – are restricted.¹ Summer is also a time for travel – and whether we’re being tourists ourselves or merely mingling with them, travel exposes us to more people.¹ Finally, thanks to that summer PR, we’re not expecting to get sick, so we tend to be less vigilant.

It’s easy to mistake mild symptoms -- such as tiredness, headaches, or sore throat -- for jetlag or something else we may have picked up from our travels, when it may be COVID-19.¹

But it’s not all doom and gloom if you do get sick. It’s important to get in touch with your doctor as soon as you start to feel crummy or test positive for COVID-19 – because there are treatment options available, which may include prescription medication. Your doctor can help determine the treatment approach that is right for you, so you don’t need to try and “wait it out”.

PfizerForAll – our digital platform that offers health services and support all in one place – is also here to help if you suspect you have COVID. Use our interactive module to self-identify certain conditions that may put you at higher risk of getting really sick, track your symptoms, and print or download a personalized guide to help with discussions with your doctor. You can also use PfizerForAll to set up home delivery of the medication your doctor prescribes, or to order COVID-19 tests.

So this summer, if you notice a suspicious sniffle or need some help identifying symptoms, speak with your doctor and visit PfizerForAll.com/COVID-19 to learn more – without getting up from your lounge chair.

References:

1. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Why COVID Surges in the Summer