Can You Get the Flu in the Summer?

When you think about summer, you probably think about beaches, sunshine, and pool parties. You’re probably not thinking about catching the flu (influenza). This pesky contagious respiratory illness is usually associated with cold-weather months. But can you still catch the flu in the summer months? Yes, but it’s much less common.

Why are colds and flu less common in the summer?

It’s well known that cold and flu viruses tend to be transmitted much more easily in the fall and winter months. This time is known as “flu season” because flu viruses and other respiratory viruses circulate at high levels during these months. 

The rest of the year, cold and flu viruses are still around, but in much lower numbers. That means you’re less likely to get sick with a cold or the flu in the spring and summer months. 

Why? It’s not fully understood, but these are some possible explanations:

• Flu and cold viruses spread more easily in cold, dry weather.

• People spend more time indoors during colder months, so they’re more likely to have close contact with sick people.

• Cold temperatures lower immune defenses in the nose, meaning people are worse at fighting off infections in winter compared with summer.

What is summer flu?

“Summer flu” is a flu that happens in the summer. It’s the same as the flu that happens during other times of year. The difference is that you’re often not expecting it in the warmer months. 

Symptoms of summer flu

The symptoms of summer flu are the same as the symptoms of flu at any other time of year. Common symptoms of flu include: 

• Sore throat

• Fatigue

• Cough

• Runny nose

• Fever

• Muscle aches

• Chills 

• Night sweats

• Headaches

• Vomiting and diarrhea (more common in children)

What causes flu and flu-like symptoms in the summer?

Summer flu is caused by the same influenza viruses that cause the flu during flu season. Flu viruses change slightly every year, which is one reason why you can get the flu again despite having had it before.

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But it’s not just flu viruses that can cause flu-like symptoms. Other viruses, like those that cause the common cold, can cause similar symptoms. 

Here are some of the most common causes of a summer cold and other flu-like illnesses in summer.

Common cold 

There are many viruses that can cause the common cold and leave you with similar symptoms as the flu. Here are some common cold viruses:

• Rhinovirus

• Enterovirus

• Coronaviruses (other than COVID-19)

• Adenovirus

• Parainfluenza 

Some of these viruses, like Enterovirus, are especially common in the summer. Others tend to circulate all year. 

Parainfluenza is a virus that causes an influenza-like illness (para means “like”). One subtype (human parainfluenza type 3) is especially common in the spring and early summer months.

RSV

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the better-known viruses that causes the common cold. It causes symptoms of a cold or flu, which can be more severe in very young children or older adults. While it tends to peak in the winter months, it can still circulate during the summer at lower rates. 

COVID

COVID and the flu share many symptoms. And it can be hard to tell them apart. So, if you’ve woken up feeling achy, feverish, and/or congested, it’s worth doing an at-home test to check for COVID.

Strep throat 

Sore throat and fever can be early signs of the flu or strep throat. Strep throat is caused by a bacteria called group A Streptococcus. It tends to lead to a sore throat that’s more severe and persistent than the sore throat that comes with the flu. A runny nose and cough are less common. 

Strep throat is most common in children ages 5 to 15, although it can affect people of any age. 

Stomach flu 

Stomach flu isn’t caused by flu viruses, and it’s different from the actual flu. It’s caused by viruses like Norovirus. Stomach flu is actually gastroenteritis. Symptoms include: 

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Fever

• Stomach pain

How do you treat summer cold and flu?

The flu — and other flu-like illnesses — are usually treated by a combination of home remedies along with over-the-counter (OTC) medications. 

Here are a few flu natural remedies to consider trying:

• Getting lots of rest

• Drinking plenty of fluids 

• Breathing in fresh air

• Gargling with saltwater 

The best OTC flu medications for you will depend on your symptoms: 

• Fever and aches: acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), and aspirin (not for children)

• Cough: dextromethorphan (Delsym) and guaifenesin (Mucinex) 

• Sore throat: Chloraseptic (phenol) spray, menthol throat drops such as Hall’s, and soothing demulcent throat lozenges such as Luden’s (pectin)

• Runny nose: antihistamines, including azelastine (Astepro), Benadryl (diphenhydramine), and products containing doxylamine

But sometimes people with the flu need to take prescription flu medications. These can lessen symptoms and shorten the time that you’re sick (more on this below). 

When to see a doctor for summer flu

Most of the time, the flu is a mild illness that goes away without the need for medical care.

But that’s not always the case. Some people with the flu have a higher risk of serious illness and complications. In this case, it’s a good idea to start antiviral flu medications within 48 hours of the start of symptoms. This can shorten how long you’re sick with the flu and decrease the severity of your symptoms. 

You should talk to your primary care provider right away about starting prescription flu medication in the following situations:

• Adults age 65 and older

• Children younger than age 2

• Pregnant women

• Those with certain chronic health conditions (like diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, and low immune system)

• People with a body mass index (BMI) over 30

Whether or not you’re at high risk, get urgent medical care for the following flu symptoms:

• Difficulty breathing

• Chest pain

• Seizures

• Small or no amounts of urine

• Weakness

• Dizziness or confusion

• Worsening health issues 

Does the flu shot protect against summer flu?

A flu shot provides protection against flu viruses throughout the year. But the level of protection depends on the particular flu strains that circulate in the summer months and how different they are to winter strains. 

The flu vaccine starts to become less effective every month after you get it. After 4 to 5 months, it’s a lot less effective at preventing you from getting the flu. So, if you got your flu shot early in the fall season, the protection might be wearing off just as summer arrives. 

How can you prevent the summer flu?

Here are the best ways to prevent the flu:

• Get the yearly flu shot. 

• Practice good hand hygiene, especially before meals.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

• Get tested and treated early if you’re at risk for severe illness or complications.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP

Karen Hovav, MD, FAAP, has more than 15 years of experience as an attending pediatrician in a variety of clinical settings. She has worked in a large academic center in an urban city, a small community hospital, a private practice, and an urgent care clinic.

Edited by:

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN

Alex Eastman, PhD, RN, is a California-based registered nurse and staff medical editor at GoodRx, where he focuses on clinical updates and Latino health.

Reviewed by:

Farzon A. Nahvi, MD

Dr. Nahvi is an emergency medicine physician and author of “Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER.” He works clinically at Concord Hospital in Concord, New Hampshire, and is a clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. Prior to this, he worked as an ER physician and clinical assistant professor of emergency medicine at the Mount Sinai Health System, NYU Langone Health, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, and the Manhattan VA. He is a graduate of Cornell University and NYU School of Medicine.

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