Published Time: 08-15-2025, 14:00

Summer is often associated with outdoor activities and warm weather, but respiratory illnesses don’t take a seasonal break. With COVID-19 cases rising in many states and new variants like XFG (nicknamed stratus) emerging, understanding the current risks of summer colds, flu, and other viruses is essential for staying healthy.

Current Trends in Summer Respiratory Illnesses

While many viruses are less active in warmer months, they still circulate. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases are trending downward, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains steady. However, COVID-19 infections are increasing in most U.S. states, particularly among people seeking emergency care.

Wastewater monitoring across the country indicates “moderate” COVID-19 activity. The XFG variant, also known as stratus, is currently the most common variant in the U.S. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies stratus as a “variant under monitoring,” noting it slightly evades immune defenses but remains responsive to existing vaccines.

Dr. Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at University of California Davis Children’s Hospital, explained that COVID-19 is expected to eventually follow a winter seasonal pattern. However, late-summer surges have become a recurring pattern in recent years.

Other summer viruses include the hand, foot, and mouth disease virus, which can cause cold-like symptoms with sores and rashes, and norovirus, known for causing stomach flu symptoms.

Why Viruses Still Spread in Summer

Although viral activity generally increases during cooler months, summer does not make people immune. Cold weather itself does not cause infections; rather, it’s about behavior and environment. Warmer weather encourages outdoor gatherings and open windows, reducing the chance for germs to spread.

However, extremely hot weather often drives people indoors into air-conditioned spaces, where respiratory viruses can spread more easily. Dr. Frank LoVecchio, an emergency room physician and researcher at Arizona State University, noted:

“I grew up on the East Coast and everybody gets sick in the winter. In the Southwest, people often get sick in summer because they spend more time indoors.”

This pattern helps explain why summer illnesses, though less common, can still affect communities, particularly during heat waves or indoor events.

COVID-19 Boosters: Timing and Recommendations

With the stratus variant circulating, many are questioning whether another COVID-19 booster is necessary. For healthy individuals, the timing of vaccination is crucial. Experts suggest planning boosters around upcoming travel, weddings, or other high-risk events.

Dr. Costi Sifri of the University of Virginia Health System recommends:

“You want to be fully protected at the time that it’s most important for you.”

For those at higher risk—such as older adults or immunocompromised individuals—consulting a physician for tailored booster advice is essential. These groups may require additional doses to maintain strong immunity.

COVID-19 in Young Children

Emergency room visits for children under age 4 have been rising recently, according to the CDC. Dr. Blumberg explains this is likely because many young children are either unvaccinated or encountering COVID-19 for the first time.

While Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. recently stated that COVID-19 vaccines are no longer recommended for healthy children, public health experts argue this decision lacks scientific evidence. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) continues to endorse COVID-19 vaccination for children six months and older, emphasizing protection for the youngest and most vulnerable populations.

Steps to Reduce Your Risk

Preventive measures remain consistent year-round. Health experts emphasize:

• Spending time outdoors to minimize indoor virus transmission
• Regular handwashing and maintaining hygiene
• Masking in crowded indoor spaces, particularly during outbreaks
• Staying home when ill to avoid spreading infections

By adhering to these practices, individuals can reduce the risk of colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19 even during summer months.

Looking Ahead: Summer Health Awareness

While warm weather may create the illusion of immunity from respiratory viruses, summer illnesses are real and increasingly relevant with emerging variants like stratus. Understanding local trends, maintaining vaccinations, and practicing preventive measures are key strategies for keeping communities safe and healthy throughout the season.

Source: AP News – Got the sniffles? Here’s what to know about summer colds and the COVID-19 variant called stratus

The post Understanding Summer Colds and the Emerging COVID-19 Stratus Variant appeared first on Journos News - Breaking News, World News, Top Stories, Todays Headlines and Flash Reports.

Writing Time: August 5, 2025, 14:00 EDT

A highly contagious viral illness is spreading in parts of the United States, prompting health alerts and raising concerns about potential severe outcomes, particularly in children.

Recent data from health departments across the country indicate a significant increase in Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) cases. The disease, commonly seen in young children but capable of affecting individuals of any age, is once again drawing the attention of medical experts and public health agencies.

Rising Cases in Multiple Regions

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), HFMD is a common viral illness that tends to occur more frequently in warmer months. In Virginia, the Fairfax County Health District issued a public health alert after reporting six HFMD outbreaks earlier this year, predominantly impacting children under the age of 5.

Meanwhile, in the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Department of Health confirmed 189 HFMD cases on the island of St. Thomas, including one suspected fatal case involving a toddler. Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the child’s death and its possible connection to the illness.

In response to the increasing cases, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued a March 2025 advisory urging member countries to strengthen prevention and control measures, especially among young children who are more vulnerable to complications.

Symptoms and Transmission of HFMD

HFMD is primarily caused by Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71, both of which are highly contagious and easily spread in community settings such as daycare centers, schools, and playgrounds.

Dr. Marc Siegel, senior medical analyst for Fox News, explained that the disease typically begins with fever, sore throat, and reduced appetite, followed by the development of painful sores inside the mouth and a rash on the hands, feet, and occasionally other body parts. Some newer strains, such as Coxsackie A6, are known to cause more severe skin rashes and nail loss in both children and adults.

“HFMD is most contagious during the first week of symptoms but can continue to be spread for several weeks,” Dr. Siegel said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

The virus is spread through direct contact with nasal secretions, saliva, fluid from blisters, stool, or contaminated surfaces, making hygiene a critical component of prevention.

Current Trends and Seasonal Patterns

Dr. Tina Q. Tan, pediatric infectious disease specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, noted that HFMD tends to surge in the summer and early fall, consistent with current trends.

“We are seeing more cases at this time,” Dr. Tan told Fox News. “It is a very common infection that is usually mild, but it can occasionally lead to serious complications.”

When to Seek Medical Attention

Although the majority of HFMD cases resolve on their own within 7 to 10 days, Dr. Tan emphasized the importance of monitoring symptoms, especially in young children who may have difficulty staying hydrated due to mouth pain.

“Parents should seek medical help if their child cannot drink fluids, has reduced urination, shows signs of worsening symptoms, or exhibits any changes in mental status,” she advised.

Rare but serious complications include:

• Dehydration
• Nail shedding
• Viral meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Paralysis

The CDC also advises pregnant women who contract HFMD to consult with a healthcare provider, as infections during pregnancy may carry added risks.

Treatment Options

There is no specific antiviral treatment for HFMD. Management generally involves:

• Over-the-counter medications (such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen) to reduce fever and relieve pain
• Plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Rest to support the immune system

Antibiotics are not effective, as the disease is caused by a virus.

Prevention Measures and Public Health Guidance

To limit the spread of HFMD, both Dr. Tan and the CDC strongly recommend the following hygiene practices:

• Frequent handwashing with soap and water, especially after changing diapers or using the bathroom
• Disinfecting surfaces like toys, countertops, and doorknobs regularly
• Avoiding close contact such as hugging, kissing, or sharing cups and utensils during outbreaks

Children can typically return to school or daycare once they:

• Are fever-free
• Feel well enough to participate in normal activities
• Do not have open or oozing lesions
• Are able to eat and drink comfortably

No Vaccine Available in the U.S.

While vaccines against Enterovirus 71 (one of the HFMD-causing viruses) exist in some countries such as China, there is currently no FDA-approved vaccine for HFMD available in the United States.

Researchers continue to monitor new virus strains and assess the need for future immunization strategies, particularly as more severe or atypical cases are being reported.

Final Thoughts

As HFMD cases rise in several U.S. jurisdictions, health experts encourage parents, educators, and caregivers to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek medical attention when symptoms become severe or unusual.

Although most cases are mild and self-limiting, the potential for serious complications—particularly among children—makes awareness and prevention crucial during seasonal outbreaks.

For updated information and guidance, visit the CDC’s official Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease resource page:

Source: FOX News – Highly contagious disease surges in some US states amid report of possible fatal case

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