Doctors offer summer advice to avoid virus

Viruses such as Covid-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are more common in winter, but there are other diseases that can spread in summer.

“There are a lot of things we’ve had to pay attention to over the summer,” said Nejavias, a family medicine physician at the Cleveland Clinic.

Family outings tend to be crowded this time of year.

“Remember before the pandemic, when viruses were just plain old viruses, colds, summer colds, sinusitis, and they still exist,” he added.

Other diseases tend to spread during the summer, Vias said, such as gastrointestinal problems, conjunctivitis, fungal infections, and even warts.

“Plantar warts are caused by walking barefoot in the pool or gym area,” Vias says.

Vias recommends wearing flip flops or other footwear to protect your feet in shared spaces. He also said you need to be vigilant when it comes to Covid-19 as the virus continues to spread.

“While different people are affected differently, it’s usually less severe,” said Vias, who recommends covering yourself when you cough or sneeze to stay healthy, and washing your hands and staying away from others if you’re sick.