The following is an opinion editorial by MHN SR. Science Advisor, S. J. Giorgianni, PharmD
Don’t Let an Unexpected Case of COVID-19 Ruin Your Summer
S.J. Giorgianni, PharmD
Summer is the time when the livin’ should be easy—a season meant for relaxation, travel, and time with family and friends. For many Americans, that means taking a well‑earned break from daily routines, traveling across the country, celebrating our nation’s 250th year, or simply enjoying everything summer has to offer close to home. Others will head overseas to Europe, Asia, or beyond, while some will travel south of the Equator to enjoy cooler winter weather. And many will choose staycations, spending quality time with loved ones right in their own backyards.
No matter what your plans may be, the last thing anyone wants is for illness to derail them—especially due to COVID-19. Nothing can produce the summertime blues quicker than a case of COVID-19.
While the COVID-19 pandemic has now evolved into an endemic phase, the virus has not disappeared.
COVID-19 continues to circulate globally and remains a real risk, particularly for respiratory infection. At best, an infection can abruptly halt vacation plans; at worst, it can result in serious illness requiring medical care—sometimes while traveling outside the United States, where access to care and insurance coverage may be limited. Either scenario is stressful, disruptive, and avoidable.
COVID-19 follows seasonal patterns, with surges typically occurring in both winter and summer. Traveling within the Northern Hemisphere during summer may increase exposure to the summer surge, while traveling to the Southern Hemisphere places travelers in the middle of winter respiratory virus season—including both COVID-19 and seasonal influenza. For older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions, this added risk deserves careful consideration.
Since the pandemic began five years ago, COVID-19 vaccination has saved millions of lives, prevented severe illness, and reduced the need for costly and prolonged hospital stays. Vaccination remains especially important for adults over 65 and for younger individuals with conditions that puts them at high-risk for COVID-19; such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, or immunocompromised. The virus continues to evolve, with different variants circulating in different regions of the world, leading to varying levels of risk depending on where you travel.
For these reasons, Men’s Health Network (MHN) believes it is essential that people stay informed so they can make intentional, well‑considered decisions about COVID-19 vaccination. MHN, along with its independent medical and scientific advisors, continues to support vaccination as one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Even a mild case can disrupt daily life, interfere with travel plans, and take away valuable time with family. COVID-19 vaccination should be taken seriously to help avoid the most serious infections, hospitalizations and prevent unnecessary death, especially by older adults and those who are immunocompromised.
Updated CDC Guidance
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you are age 65 years and older or are at high risk for severe COVID-19. They also recommend a COVID-19 vaccine for people ages 6 months and older based on individual-based decision-making.
CDC also recommends getting a COVID-19 vaccine if you have never received a COVID-19 vaccine. A conversation with your healthcare provider can help determine which COVID-19 vaccination is right for you.
Vaccine Options This Season
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized multiple different types of COVID-19 vaccines, which have shown to be effective for eligible patients. This provides individuals with options when deciding how to protect themselves. Discussing these choices with a trusted healthcare professional can help ensure you select the option that best aligns with your health needs and personal preferences.
Summer should be a time for enjoyment, connection, and peace of mind—not unexpected illness. Being informed and having a conversation with a health care professional about COVID-19 vaccination and taking a few proactive steps now can help protect your active leisure time, as well as your health, and the people you care about most.
This is funded or supported by Sanofi, but Sanofi is not responsible for the content or views expressed.
