Summer flu: Which pathogens are the cause and how you protect yourself

Ctry, cough, hoarseness- for many are the typical characteristics of the autumn and winter months. But a warm breeze around the nose and cozy sun on the skin does not guarantee no symptoms -free breathing organs. Anyone who has to struggle with pollen allergies knows that glowing phases shifts the glowing phases, so that almost all year round buzzers are buzzing through the air almost all year round, from the hazel to the mugwort.

Viruses and bacteria can also irritate the mucous membranes of our airways in the warm months. Even the influenza or covid appear outside of their high season, their viruses are never away.

In summer, however, other pathogens usually dominate that can develop similar symptoms. However, the infection paths differ: If the main causes are inhaled in the cold months, which circulate in closed rooms, the lubrication infection predominates in summer, so germs are usually transferred via the hands by contact.

To this end, viruses circulating all year round, such as the adeno family, and bacteria like some mycoplasms are also possible. In our latitudes in the summer months, so-called enteroviruses mostly have a flu infection: this pathogen group comes from the intestine. When shaking hands or by handle the door handle or shopping cart, it will be passed on.

It is also clear what protects: thorough washing. Because there is no vaccination or medication against most enteroviruses, hygiene is the means of choice. If an infection still occurs, it usually passes quickly for people who are otherwise healthy with a few symptoms of airways or digestive tract. Complications are particularly possible in people with weakened defense.

So a “summer flu” has a name that is easy, but does not always have to be harmless.