Avoiding Summer's Common Health Problems

04th, Aug 2020

Summer can bring in a range of health problems from skin rashes and sunburns to more severe issues like measles. The primary reason behind the outbreak of diseases in summer is the presence of favourable weather conditions for bacteria and virus’ to breed.

We have all recently had to introduce a higher level of sanitisation into our routines due to Covid-19 and going forward, we should all continue to implement this preventative measure to help protect your and your family’s health this summer.

What are the common Summer health problems to look out for?

Sunburn

Sunburn can be experienced even on a cloudy day. Symptoms of sunburn include:

• Red or reddish skin
• Mild dizziness
• Fatigue

Make sure to protect yourself by applying sunscreen with at least SPF30 and UVA 4 Stars or more and apply to exposed areas of the body 20 minutes before heading out in the sun and re apply if nessecary throughout the day.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke can affect the normal body function in minutes. To help avoid heatstroke, avoid stepping out in peak afternoons and aim for times before 11am and after 5pm when the sun rays aren’t as strong. Also remember to carry plenty of fluids with you to stay hydrated throughout the day. 

Symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Difficulty in breathing
• Rapid pulse
• High body temperature
• Confusion

Food Poisoning

Excessive heat in summer can spoil food quickly. To prevent the risk of food poisoning, always put leftover food inside the refrigerator and make sure food is always well-cooked. Food poisioning isn't usually serious and most people get better within a few days without treatment. Symptoms from the most common types of food poisoning will often start within 2 to 6 hours of eating the food. Possible symptoms include: 

• Adominal cramps
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea

Prickly Heat

Prickly heat, also known as heat rash, happens to adults and children when sweat becomes trapped under the skin. Prickly heat is uncomfortable and itchy. In most cases, developing the rash isn’t a reason to see a doctor. The neck, shoulders, and chest are the most common places for prickly heat to appear.

Treatments and remedies for prickly heat include:

• Calamine lotion
• Topical steroids
• Anhydrous lanolin
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Avoiding skin products that contain petroleum or mineral oil

Skin Rashes

During summers, skin rash is a common skin problem amid children and adults. This typically happens when an individual sweats too much. Bathe often, change your clothes often and avoid wearing tight clothes.

Chickenpox

Chickenpox is an infection caused by the varicella-zoster virus. It causes an itchy rash with small, fluid-filled blisters and is highly contagious and is usually accompanied by a high fever. Chickenpoxs is most common in children and in people with low immunity.

Measles

Measles is a childhood infection caused by a virus. Smptoms of Measles can include: 

• a runny or blocked nose
• sneezing
• watery, sore, red eyes that may be sensitive to light / swollen eyelids
• a high temperature (fever), which may reach around 40C (104F)
• small greyish-white spots in the mouth.
• aches and pains.

Once quite common, measles can now almost always be prevented with a vaccine.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a common water-borne disease. It can be a result of Hepatitis A and is mainly caused due to the consumption of contaminated food and water. If not treated on time, this disease can affect the functionality of the liver leading to overproduction of bile.

Typhoid

Typhoid is passed through the oral-faecal route to healthy individuals. The contaminated food and water sources become the breeding ground for the bacteria. Visible symptoms of typhoid are weakness, loss of appetite, fatigue, pain in the abdomen, high fever.

Mumps

Of all summer diseases, Mumps is another extremely contagious viral disease and affects children. It is contagious in nature and gets transmitted when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Some of the visible symptoms include: 

• Swelled salivary gland
• Muscle ache
• Fever
• Headache
• Loss of appetite and weakness

If you have any concerns, our Enhanced Private GP service is available for same or next day appointments and no registration is necessary. Contact 028 9066 7878 or for further information please visit our Private GP page on our website.
 
Alternatively, you can book an appointment online via our Online Booking Portal.

Sources:
https://www.trivitron.com/blog/5-health-care-tips-you-should-follow-this-summer-for-a-better-living/
https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/blog/stay-healthy-this-summer/