“All viruses decrease in summer!” – Not quite

Tendentially, there are fewer respiratory viruses in circulation at this stage of the year. But beware of the agglomerations, the beaches and… viruses.

“Now in summer there is less virus Then by the air, I can already circulate more comfortable. ”

“Now that we have reached summer, I can go out with the baby because it’s a long time and there is less viruses.”

There are two of the various sentences that are heard at this time. There widespread idea about what Summer is synonymous with fewer viruses. There are even those who think the viruses practically disappear with hot weather, with the temperature rising, with people less “glued” to each other.

Well… yes and no.

In the temperate climates in general – as in Portugal – tendentially, there is Less respiratory viruses in circulation at this stage of the year. The virus of gripe (influenza), the respiratory sincial virus (VSR) or the recent Sarrs-COV-2 (COVID-19) These are examples.

Reasons: Many respiratory viruses survive better in cold, wet environments, resisting less to this warmer and more dry climate; With more outdoor activities, natural ventilation reduces the concentration of viral particles in the air, reducing the risk of contagion; And since there are fewer people concentrated in closed spaces, it is less a transmission factor.

However, it is in summer that virus gastrointestinal (like noroviruses and rotavirus) assets or they can even increase – Especially in places with poor hygiene conditions (swimming pools, restaurants, etc.).

Os Enterovíruswhich causes diseases such as viral meningitis or “mouth-hand”, tend to circulate more in summer.

There are also COVID-19 outbreaks in summer, especially with more transmissible variants.

Adds that, for example in Brazil, the Viruses increase precisely in summer.

Repeats the idea that, unlike winter, it is not respiratory viruses to dominate: they are the viruses gastrointestinal – Caused by viruses such as rotavirus, noroviruses, astroviruses and adenovirus.

Viruses can be transmitted By: water contaminated by sewage, contaminated hands, saliva.

And although they are not so together in closed spaces, the crowded beaches increase the incidence of virus contagion. Beyond overcrowding, the high temperatures They can contribute to the proliferation of viruses transmitted by water and food contamination.

For people who don’t care much about hygiene or with conservation of foodthe risk is greater.

Avoid These viruses pass mainly by: consume at least two liters of water per day; Prefer fresh fruits, vegetables and vegetables; Avoid foods of unknown or poorly stored origin; Wear light clothes and not share towels and other personal objects.