Page 88 - South Mississippi Living - July, 2026

HEALTHY LIVING
It’s a hot July morning and you’re ready to get some sun and enjoy a day out, but instead you find yourself shivering under a blanket, feverish and nursing a sore throat. Many people think the flu is a winter problem, but it can occur just as easily during the summer months.
Initially, you can easily mistake your symptoms for allergies
or a simple cold. Sneezing, a runny nose, and fatigue could be blamed on pollen or long days outdoors. But as your body begins to ache and your temperature climbs, it becomes clear this isn’t just a minor setback. Suddenly, your beach days and weekend barbecues are replaced with sick days at home, wondering how the flu managed to crash your summer plans.
Having the flu in summer feels doubly unfair. While others are out hiking, swimming, or firing up the grill, you’re stuck indoors, missing out on all the good weather. The symptoms—chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache—are very unpleasant. Then, with sunshine spilling through the windows, the isolation and frustration seem to hit even harder.
It’s natural to wonder how you managed to get the flu when
it’s so warm outside. Air conditioning many times is the culprit, recirculating germs in closed spaces like offices and airplanes. Crowded summer events and travel can also expose you to viruses. The best ways to protect yourself don’t change with the seasons: wash your hands regularly, steer clear of people who are sick, and talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot, if it is right for you.
Getting over the flu takes patience, regardless of what time
of year it hits. Rest, stay hydrated, and give your body time to bounce back. Soon enough, you’ll be back outside, ready to enjoy the rest of your summer. Even when the days are long and bright, the flu can sneak up on you.
88 | July 2026
www.smliving.net | SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living
story by Dr. Nickie Harris-Ray