United States: While summer typically evokes thoughts of untroubled joy and robust well-being, a surge in illnesses has turned this season into an unexpected harbinger of winter’s woes. Three formidable viruses—COVID-19, fifth disease, and whooping cough—are currently rampant, casting a shadow over the carefree days and leaving many feeling under the weather.
The return to school in numerous regions might exacerbate the situation. “The congregation of children in enclosed spaces as schools reopen could heighten the transmission of these infections,” warned Dr William Schaffner, a distinguished professor and infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, in a conversation with Yahoo Life.
What are the underlying causes of these viral outbreaks, and more crucially, how can one safeguard against them? Here’s what the experts have to say.
Lingering Summer COVID Wave
COVID-19, propelled by the pervasive FLiRT variants, has seen a steady increase in cases throughout the US this summer. Several factors are contributing to this surge, according to Emily Smith, an epidemiologist and assistant professor at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health.
“The end-of-summer travel boom and the return of children to school are accelerating the spread of COVID,” she noted, adding, “Moreover, both individual and collective immunity have diminished; many have not been vaccinated or infected with COVID recently,” according to Yahoo Life.
Another contributing factor is the widespread reliance on air-conditioned indoor environments to escape the summer heat, which facilitates viral transmission. Additionally, the new variants circulating are “extremely contagious,” Schaffner observed, noting how easily they spread given the opportunities we provide.
Fifth Disease’s Rise Spurs CDC Alert
The fifth disease, also known as parvovirus B19, is on the rise in the US, prompting a recent health alert from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This common childhood ailment is spread via respiratory droplets, and by the age of 20, about half of the population will have encountered it, according to Schaffner. Those who contract the virus develop antibodies, granting them immunity against future infections.
The fifth disease may present with no symptoms or may mimic flu-like symptoms, accompanied by a distinctive “slapped cheek” rash that causes facial redness, per the CDC. While the illness is generally mild or asymptomatic in adults, it can pose a danger to pregnant individuals, potentially leading to pregnancy loss in rare instances, according to Yahoo Life.
Although the US has witnessed previous spikes in fifth disease cases, Dr Mark Hicar, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic may have contributed to the current surge. “The period of social distancing and stringent masking may have altered the natural spread of this virus during the pandemic, leading to an uptick now,” he explained.
As a result, individuals who would have been exposed to the virus during the past few years were shielded, leaving them vulnerable now. This could be driving the current spread, Schaffner noted, according to Yahoo Life.
Whooping Cough Sees a Threefold Increase
Whooping cough, or pertussis, a highly contagious bacterial infection known for severe coughing fits, is also on the rise, according to CDC data. “For those with normal immune systems, it tends to be an irritating illness, but it can be fatal if it infects a young infant,” Hicar warned.
There have been 10,865 reported cases of whooping cough this year, compared to just 2,918 during the same period last year.
Although pertussis is included in the standard childhood vaccination schedule, some children have fallen behind on their vaccinations due to the pandemic, which could be contributing to the spread, Schaffner points out. Additionally, adults’ immunity wanes over time, prompting the CDC to recommend booster shots every ten years for those aged 19 and older.
Shielding Yourself from These Viral Infections
Reportedly, it’s important to recognize that these three viruses are distinct, necessitating slightly different prevention strategies for each. However, there are some commonalities.
Stay Current with Vaccinations: When the updated COVID-19 vaccine becomes available, potentially as early as Labor Day, Hicar advised getting it. He also stresses the importance of being up-to-date on other vaccines, including tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines. “Adults need Tdap boosters every ten years to guard against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, and pregnant women should receive this during each pregnancy to protect their infants,” he emphasized. Notably, there is no vaccine for the fifth disease, according to Yahoo Life.
Practice Vigilant Hygiene and Mask Use: Meticulous hand hygiene and avoiding visibly ill individuals can help reduce the risk of contracting the fifth disease. Wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces can also lower the risk, Hicar suggested. Smith concurs, recommending the use of a high-quality mask in crowded areas or while traveling.
Seek Fresh Air: Smith advises ensuring good ventilation to reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. “Open windows and move gatherings outdoors when possible,” she suggested.
As we transition into autumn with these illnesses continuing to circulate, Hicar offers a final caution: “It is conceivable to contract all three of these viruses, even simultaneously, as none of these infections confer cross-immunity against the others.”