U.S. Common Colds Peaked in Mid-May as Spring Rhinovirus Surge Starts to Fade
Updated
Updated · HuffPost · Jun 3
U.S. Common Colds Peaked in Mid-May as Spring Rhinovirus Surge Starts to Fade
2 articles · Updated · HuffPost · Jun 3
Summary
CDC-linked data cited by Your Local Epidemiologist show U.S. common colds peaked in mid-May, matching patterns seen at Houston Methodist in Texas.
Rhinovirus and enterovirus rates are now declining but still circulating, with experts expecting further drops through summer as schools let out and people spend more time outdoors.
Spring colds often get mistaken for allergies because both bring congestion and runny noses; fever points to a cold, while antihistamines usually help allergies but not viral illness.
Doctors said the risk has not disappeared, especially for children with asthma, immunocompromised people and those with underlying conditions, and urged hand-washing, avoiding sick people and staying home when ill.
A second cold peak typically arrives in the fall, when schools resume and more people return indoors, increasing household and workplace spread.