Summer Sniffles and the Stratus COVID-19 Variant: What You Need to Know

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.