The summer month brings warmth, bright sunshine, longer days and scorching heat. Along with the joy of junny days, it also carries numerous health risks. During these warm seasons, individuals can face a range of diseases due to the high temperature and humidity. These issues can lead individuals to ocular, dermatological, and gastrointestinal, neurological problems. Awareness and caution are crucial to avoiding these common summer diseases affecting one's health and comfort. This informative blog shares insights on some common summer illnesses and offers tips on how to stay protected.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a condition, where the body can no longer keep the core temperature in the normal level. It not only causes headaches and dizziness, but it can also cause muscle weakness, rapid heartbeat, and rapid breathing, fall in BP, confusion, drowsiness and in very severe cases may even cause death. It's a medical emergency that needs immediate attention. Having plenty of fluids, Wearing loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes and avoiding strenuous activities during summer months can also help prevent heat stroke. Cooling the body with damp towels can quickly relieve symptoms.

Dehydration

Having plenty or oral fluids in the form of plain water, fruit juices, lemonades, etc, Eating water-rich fruits and vegetables, such as watermelons, oranges, and cucumbers, can help ensure hydration. Avoiding alcohol or caffeinated drinks is encouraged, as they further dehydrate the body. Early symptoms such as dry mouth, reduced urine volume, and tiredness should be considered to manage dehydration. 

Food Poisoning

Preventing food poisoning also involves -

Always clean hands and surfaces when preparing food.
To prevent cross-contamination, make sure that uncooked and prepared meals are separated.
Promptly refrigerate perishables

Do not leave food for longer than an hour during summer temperatures above 32 degrees. These caveats regarding food preparation and storage will help avoid high-risk situations.

Typhoid

Preventing typhoid involves -

Using safe drinking water.
Avoiding raw fruits and vegetables unless they can be peeled.
Ensuring food is cooked thoroughly.

Vaccination before travel to areas where typhoid is common is recommended. Maintaining good hygiene habits, including frequent hand washing, is important for typhoid prevention.

Sunburn

Sunburn happens when the skin gets too much exposure to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays, causing the skin to become red, sore, and sometimes swollen. In extreme cases, blisters might develop, and the skin could peel away as it heals. To avoid getting sunburned, it's essential to use a wide-ranging sunscreen with a high SPF, dress in clothes that cover the skin, and stay out of the sun during its peak hours. Always put on more sunscreen every two hours to maintain continuous protection, particularly if you've been swimming or have sweated.

Hear Rash

Heat rash, also known as prickly heat, results from intense sweating in warm and moist conditions, leading to skin irritation. It appears as clusters of small blisters or red bumps, particularly in skin folds where clothing causes friction. Keeping the skin cool and dry, wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothes, and using calamine lotion or mild steroid creams can help relieve symptoms. Staying in air-conditioned environments during peak heat times can prevent the occurrence of heat rash.

Gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis, often called stomach flu, shows a spike in cases during the summer, primarily due to consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Practising good food hygiene, such as washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly and ensuring meats are cooked to safe temperatures, is crucial. Drinking bottled or boiled water and avoiding ice made from tap water can also reduce the risk of gastroenteritis.

Allergic Reactions

Like spring, Summer increases exposure to allergens such as pollen, leading to allergic reactions. Symptoms manifest as sneezing, eye irritation, and nasal discharg, itching, worsening of asthma. Limiting outdoor exposure during days with high pollen, utilising air cleaning devices, and using allergy relief medication can help control these symptoms. Showering after being outside can also remove pollen from skin and hair.

Conclusion

Summer brings with it a mix of fun and potential health risks. Awareness of common summer diseases such as heat stroke, dehydration, food poisoning, and typhoid is crucial. Staying hydrated, practising hygiene, and eating safe, clean food reduce the risk of these ailments. Enjoy the warm weather wisely to ensure a healthy summer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Common Summer Diseases

Q. How can one quickly recover from heat stroke?
A. Quick recovery involves moving to a cool place, hydrating with water or electrolyte drinks, and resting. Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Q. Can vaccines prevent summer diseases like chicken pox and measles?
A. Yes, vaccines are highly effective in preventing these diseases. Ensure vaccinations are up to date.

Q. What are the best drinks to prevent dehydration?
A. Water, coconut water, and natural fruit juices without added sugar are excellent for staying hydrated.

Q. Is it safe to swim during the summer?
A. Swimming is safe, provided the water is clean and chlorinated. Avoid stagnant or unclean water bodies to prevent infections.

Q. How can food poisoning be avoided during summer?
A. Avoid eating perishable foods left out for long. Opt for freshly cooked meals and drink purified water.