Can you get the flu in the summer?

Demi

Influenza, or the flu, is a viral infection of the respiratory system. While flu can cause mild illness, it is typically more severe than the usual cold. It is a very important cause of serious illness and even death, especially in the elderly or chronically ill. As most people know, the "flu season" occurs in the winter months, in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. In North America, most cases occur between November and March. In the Southern hemisphere, winter occurs at the same time as summer in the Northern hemisphere. Thus, in Southern hemisphere countries, such as Australia, the flu season is April through September.

It is possible to get the flu in summer under certain circumstances. First, occasional cases and even outbreaks do occur in warmer times of the year, though they are unusual. In addition, in the tropics, such as in the Caribbean, the flu season is less well defined, and the infection can occur throughout the year. Travel also is a common source of flu infections in the summer months. For example, people are at risk of flu infection if they travel to tropical regions or to parts of the world that are experiencing winter. Group travel, such as on a cruise ship, often brings together people from all parts of the world, some of whom may harboring flu virus acquired during a winter outbreak at home. For example, if someone from Australia travels to Europe on a cruise in July, he may carry the influenza virus and infect people on the ship, leading to an outbreak.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a flu shot should be considered for travelers belonging to high-risk groups (people over 65 and those with certain underlying medical conditions) who are traveling to the tropics, traveling in large groups at any time of the year or visiting the Southern hemisphere from April through September. Non-travelers also can get the flu in summer, perhaps in many cases from visitors from the opposite hemisphere. However, most so-called cases of the flu that occur in summer are actually caused by other respiratory infections.