Why your immune system still needs support in summer

Warmer days, shorter nights - summer is the season for spritzes, sunshine and socialising.

It’s easy to assume that summer means fewer chances of getting sick, but that’s not entirely true. The warm weather brings its own set of challenges for your immune system, from dehydration to increased exposure to germs.

We’re not here to spoil the party. The best way to stay well through the festivals and family reunions is knowing how your immune system works. If you give your body the support it needs, it will support you in return.

Firstly, lets delve into a few things to be wary of this season.

Increased socialising

Generally speaking, different types of viruses thrive in different seasons (University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2020). While it’s true that you’re less likely to catch the flu in summer – Health New Zealand/Te Whatu Ora (2025) states that the ‘flu season’ spans from May to October in New Zealand - there is an increased chance of spreading other respiratory illnesses due to change in human behaviour. Summer brings more gatherings and close contact with others, so while you’re socialising, germs are too!

Dehydration

There’s a catch to all the cocktails - dehydration. Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it makes you pee more as the kidneys must filter more fluid (Haye, 2023). If you don’t drink enough water with alcohol, you become dehydrated.

It’s not just the night life that takes a toll, but your daytime routine too. Exercising in hot, humid weather makes us sweat more. With sweat, we’re not just losing water, but also important electrolytes needed for our body’s immune system and overall function (Vora et al., 2024).

Being dehydrated isn’t just about feeling thirsty. Without enough water, your body can’t fight germs as well or get rid of toxins because water helps move immune cells around (Vora et al., 2024).

Irregular sleep patterns

With Christmas parties and late nights, it’s easy to miss out on sleep. But sleep is vital for your whole body, especially your immune system. Getting regular, good-quality sleep helps keep your immunity strong, while poor sleep can weaken it both short-term and long-term (Sleep Foundation, 2023).

Nutrition

It’s easy to get knocked off your routine this season. Overseas holidays, road trips and the regular late nights all have us going for convenience first, nutrition second. That’s where the EveryDay+ range of food with benefits can come in to make sure you’re still giving your body some love, even when life is busy.

Summary

Your best summer memories start with feeling your best. Look after yourself and your whānau with simple habits like getting plenty of sleep, washing your hands, staying hydrated and looking after your nutrition. EveryDay+ makes it easy and enjoyable to support your gut health and get your vitamin C through all your summer adventures.

Please note, EveryDay+ products are intended to complement a healthy lifestyle and are not a substitute for medical treatments or supplements. While we provide general tips and information on our blog, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalised advice.