GP says summer habits could increase your risk of Covid-19

A GP has issued a Covid warning for this summer, claiming that viruses “don’t stick to seasons”. While certain illnesses, such as coronavirus, are more common in the winter, this doesn’t mean you are immune during the warmer months.

Not only this, but some common summer habits could actually increase your risk of infection, he explained. This advice comes as a new Covid variant has become the predominant strain in the UK.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that the XFG strain, dubbed Stratus, is rapidly spreading throughout England. And the World Health Organisation (WHO) has highlighted its "rapidly growing" global presence.

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With this in mind, NHS GP and resident doctor for at-home testing provider MyHealthChecked, Doctor Dave Nichols, advised that viruses “don’t stick to seasons”

“Pathogens circulate year-round,” Dr Nichols warned. He added that some holiday habits could also make things worse.

He continued: “Viruses like COVID-19, RSV, or even flu strains don’t stick to seasons - in summer, factors like travel, stress, poor sleep and sun exposure can compromise immunity.” To limit your risk of getting Covid, he suggested strengthening your immune system.

“Immune resilience takes time - building and maintaining a strong immune system is a long-term effort, not just something to focus on when you're already sick or in winter,” he said.

To do so you should:

• Get enough sleep: Aim for seven to nine hours. Poor sleep reduces immune cell activity
• Eat immune-supportive foods: Colourful fruits and vegetables (rich in antioxidants and vitamin C), fermented foods (yoghurt, kefir, kimchi) for gut health, garlic, ginger, and turmeric (anti-inflammatory effects)
• Stay hydrated: Helps flush toxins and keeps mucosal linings moist, which traps viruses more effectively
• Sunlight for vitamin D: 10 to 20 minutes of sun exposure each day can help maintain healthy levels (but consider supplements if deficient)
• Moderate exercise: Supports circulation and immune cell distribution. Avoid overtraining, which can temporarily suppress immunity
• Manage stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can suppress immune function
• Meditation, time in nature, or simple breathing exercises can help

During May, the Stratus variant accounted for 10 per cent of Covid-19 cases in England. Currently, the XFG and its sub-variant, XFG.3, are behind roughly 40 per cent of infections, based on UKHSA data. Between May 26 and June 8, 28.9 per cent of cases were classified as the XFG. 3 variant, whilst 11.4 per cent were linked to XFG.

Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "It is normal for viruses to mutate and change over time. UKHSA is monitoring all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular Flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports.

“Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them."

Vaccines are still considered to be the best line of defence against Covid. Spring COVID-19 vaccinations have ended but the NHS will contact you later this year if you're eligible for the winter COVID-19 vaccine.