As Canadians look forward to saying goodbye to the challenges and illnesses of the winter season, they must prepare for a new set of microbial threats that emerge as the weather gets warmer. While some viruses, like the flu, may decrease or disappear during the warmer months, others persist or intensify. Influenza activity has been steadily decreasing, with fewer cases of both influenza A and B being reported. As the flu season comes to an end, experts warn that other viruses and bacteria will become more prominent in the coming months.
Enteroviruses are a group of viruses that tend to be more common during the summer months, with over 100 different types causing a range of illnesses. These viruses are often spread through waterborne transmission, making them more common in the summer when people engage in water-related activities. Hand, foot, and mouth disease, a common summer illness, is caused by an enterovirus and primarily affects children due to their reduced immunity. While enteroviruses can cause mild symptoms, some illnesses can be more severe and require hospitalization.
The common cold, caused by the rhinovirus, can also occur during the warmer months, particularly in the spring. Unlike viruses like influenza, COVID-19 has not shown a clear seasonal pattern and remains a threat throughout the year. Norovirus, another highly contagious virus that causes gastroenteritis, tends to thrive in warmer weather and can spread rapidly, especially in environments where hygiene standards may differ. Arboviruses, transmitted by mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies, are another group of viruses that reappear in the summer, with West Nile virus being a common example in Canada.
West Nile virus, carried by mosquitoes, can cause flu-like symptoms in some people, while Powassan virus, transmitted by ticks, is much rarer but can still pose a threat in certain regions. Both viruses tend to circulate during the warmer months when mosquito and tick activity is at its peak. The best defense against these emerging viruses is basic handwashing skills, according to experts. Proper hand hygiene, including carrying hand sanitizer when out and about, can help prevent the transmission of various viruses and bacteria.
As Canadians prepare for the warmer months and increased outdoor activities, they must remain vigilant against a variety of viruses and bacteria that thrive in the summer. While the flu season is winding down, other microbes, such as enteroviruses, norovirus, arboviruses, and the common cold, are likely to become more prevalent. By practicing good hand hygiene, individuals can help protect themselves and others from these microbial menaces that tend to emerge during the warmer months. As COVID-19 continues to pose a threat, it is essential to remain cautious and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
