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Why Summer Colds Are Spiking

If you re not sneezing and sniffling already experts say you may be soon What s behind the surge and what to watch for

PhotoAlto/Frederic Cirou If it seems like more people are coughing and sneezing this summer, you're not imagining it. Doctors across the country are reporting an unseasonal surge of common respiratory illnesses as Americans return to more social, work and other activities. During the , the viruses that cause the common cold, as well as those causing the flu, were at historic lows because of precautions such as masks and social distancing, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But in recent weeks, some of those pathogens have returned — and Americans are suffering the consequences. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. "I haven't had a cold that hit me this hard or whacked me out like this for a long time,” says Susan Jackson, 64, of Charlotte, N.C., who picked up a nasty bug recently that brought on a fever, coughing, congestion, some difficulty with breathing and a headache. “You feel worse when you're sick in the summer because the heat drains you,” Paul O'Rourke, M.D., an internal medicine physician and an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, says a flood of patients this summer have called his office complaining of cold symptoms such as a runny nose, cough or congestion. “The thing that's odd about it is that we don't typically see this in the summer,” he says. If you have cold symptoms, O'Rourke recommends getting a COVID-19 test whether you're vaccinated or not. can occur, although they are rare. The CDC also issued a warning last week about one virus in particular, called . The virus, which normally peaks in winter, has been on the rise since April, the agency says. It typically causes mild cold symptoms such as a sore throat, cough and congestion. However, RSV can be dangerous for infants and older adults, especially those who are immunocompromised or have chronic heart or lung disease. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Entertainment $3 off popcorn and soft drink combos See more Entertainment offers > It's also likely that people's immune systems aren't as robust because we've gone a year without our usual exposure to common bacteria and viruses. Research shows that your immune response is at its best when it has constant exposure to stimuli, O'Rourke says. “Our immune systems have been on vacation for a year,” he explains. “Now when they come into contact with bacteria and viruses, it may take a little longer for them to kick in.” Another factor is the large number of young children born in the last two years who have had very little exposure to microbes, experts say. That's particularly relevant when it comes to RSV, since in normal times most American children get the virus by age 2 and thus have some immunity going forward, according to the CDC. "There is a larger reservoir of kids who haven't been exposed to it, which gives the virus more opportunities for transmission,” explains Jennifer Lighter, M.D., a hospital epidemiologist at NYU Langone Health. From there, she notes, the virus can spread quickly, including to adults.

RSV adds risks to older adults

In adults age 65 and older, RSV infections can be serious, leading to pneumonia or even congestive heart failure. In a typical year, about 177,000 adults age 65 and older are hospitalized with RSV and 14,000 die from an RSV infection, according to the CDC. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. regularly and consider , especially if you are spending time in a crowded indoor space. Most respiratory viruses, like the coronavirus, spread through airborne droplets, but there's evidence that RSV in particular lingers on surfaces and can be transmitted that way as well. "The washing-your-hands piece is particularly important because RSV can persist on hard surfaces,” Bosco says. “I know we're all ready to get back to reality. But people who are at higher risk should continue to take precautions." Michelle Crouch is a contributing writer who has covered health and personal finance for some of the nation's top consumer publications. Her work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Real Simple, Prevention, The Washington Post and The New York Times. More on health AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS