Summer COVID-19 Symptoms: Keeping An Eye On Your Mental And Physical Health
COVID-19 is a viral illness that emerged at the end of 2019 and has since taken a physical and mental toll on billions of people worldwide. New variants of COVID-19 have evolved over the years, and the illness tends to surge in the summer. COVID-19 may lead to mental health impacts in addition to causing physical symptoms. Gaining an understanding of COVID-19 symptoms and variants, practicing self-care, and talking to your doctor and a therapist may be helpful.
Understanding COVID-19
COVID-19 is one of many infectious diseases that can impact the immune system. It is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The condition tends to be highly contagious and typically spreads through airborne particles from respiratory fluids and saliva.
The symptoms of COVID-19 can vary but generally include those associated with the common cold, such as the following:
- Dry cough
- Fever
- Runny nose
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Shortness of breath
- Headaches
- Loss of taste and smell
- Sore throat
- Congestion
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea
Due to its potential impacts on the respiratory system, COVID-19 can come with a high risk of pneumonia, potentially leading to increased emergency room visits. The illness generally lasts 10 to 14 days but can last longer for some people.
The elderly, babies, and immunocompromised individuals are usually at a higher risk of severe complications. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 or are concerned about the risk of a severe infection. If you have severe shortness of breath, low oxygen levels, or a high fever, seek immediate medical attention.
Summer 2024 COVID wave symptoms
In the summer of 2024, there appear to be moderate levels of the COVID-19 virus in United States wastewater, and COVID-19 cases are reportedly increasing nationwide.
To learn more about wastewater in your area, keep up to date with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maps and statistics.
The new variants of COVID-19, FLiRT and LB.1, are currently spreading. Both of these are viewed as sub-variants of Omicron, and going into summer 2024, LB.1 accounted for approximately 14.9% of all COVID cases.
Summer COVID symptoms tend to be similar to those of past variants, often involving mild flu-like symptoms. In general, the new variants seem to be less likely to lead to hospitalization than previous variants. However, hospitalization rates appear to be increasing, and individuals may benefit from taking precautions like masking in public areas, washing their hands, using hand sanitizer, and avoiding crowded places.
How does COVID-19 impact mental health?
COVID-19 appears to be associated with a variety of mental health concerns.
Anxiety and depression
Anxiety may be a response to the pandemic itself, with the CDC noting stress factors like fear of infection, loneliness, financial concerns, exhaustion, and more. Young people and women tend to be the most likely to develop anxiety in response to COVID-19.
In addition, studies have found that COVID-19 may impact brain function and increase inflammation, potentially contributing to the development of depression. Symptoms of depression may include the following:
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Changes in appetite
- Prolonged feelings of sadness
- Thoughts of worthlessness and hopelessness
- Suicidal thoughts
- Difficulty concentrating
- Social withdrawal
- Negative self-perception
- Difficulty practicing self-care
If you have had a recent COVID-19 infection and are experiencing symptoms of depression, reach out to a mental health professional or your primary care physician for a depression screening.
Insomnia
A 2024 study revealed that 76.1% of those with COVID-19 displayed symptoms of insomnia. Not being able to sleep while sick may lead to increased stress and vulnerability to other mental and physical health conditions. Talk to your doctor about potential insomnia treatments.
Stress
A 2022 study suggested that 66.9% of individuals viewed the pandemic as moderately or highly stressful. The impact of the pandemic has continued in 2024, as over one million people have lost their lives to COVID-19 in the US. In addition, the pandemic resulted in changes to millions of individuals’ living situations, job security, and financial security. Due to economic changes, housing prices and the cost of food have generally increased while the federal minimum wage has remained the same, contributing to further financial stress.
Long COVID
Long COVID refers to a situation in which someone continues to experience complications from COVID-19 long after the infection has ended. This condition can be disabling for some people and mild for others. The American Heart Association (AHA) reports that long COVID can contribute to severe mental health challenges due to the illness itself, social isolation, financial challenges, and difficulty finding support. This condition may lead to fatigue, insomnia, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for some people.
How to address mental health challenges in the summer
If you have developed COVID-19 or know someone who has, there are a few ways you can promote good mental health this summer.
Practice self-care
Self-care can be a preventive method for symptoms of mental health conditions or stress and may be helpful during a COVID-19 infection to cope with the impacts of being sick. A few self-care techniques include the following:
- Taking a warm bath or shower
- Eating nutritious foods
- Exercising when possible, such as taking a short walk or practicing gentle yoga
- Meditating or practicing mindfulness
- Giving yourself a break and resting when you are sick
- Talking to your doctor about medications, vitamins, or supplements that may be helpful
- Spending time with loved ones (if you are sick, consider video calls, texting, and other ways of connecting)
The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor regarding illness and medication questions.
Lean on your support system
If possible, turn to loved ones for emotional support as you cope with illness. Inform trusted family members or friends that you are ill in case the condition becomes more severe.
Educate yourself on COVID-19
Education on COVID-19 and local statistics may help you avoid serious infection. Consider practicing safety methods like using a mask in public and frequently washing your hands to reduce your risk of illness. You can also educate yourself on the condition by learning about its symptoms and health risks.
Talk to a therapist
If you’re experiencing mental health impacts related to COVID-19, you’re not alone. Talking to a therapist can be one way to receive compassion and guidance as you navigate these symptoms. However, if you’re sick, experiencing long COVID, or otherwise cannot leave home, you might benefit from online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp.
An online platform can connect you with a therapist from home, allowing you to choose between phone, video, and live chat sessions. In addition, online platforms frequently offer resources like journaling prompts and worksheets to guide you through your healing journey.
Studies show that online therapy can be effective, especially in supporting those who have faced complications from COVID-19. A 2020 study noted that “Remotely delivered cognitive behavioural therapy seems [to be] the preferred PTSD treatment in times of COVID-19.”
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