๐ Summer Illnesses: A Complete Guide with Tips & Tricks
Summer brings sunshine, beach days, and mangoes—but also a
spike in illnesses caused by heat, dehydration, and contaminated food or water.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding and managing common summer
illnesses.
☀️ Common Summer Illnesses
1. Heat Stroke / Heat Exhaustion
- Cause: Prolonged exposure to high
temperatures and dehydration.
- Symptoms: High body temp (over 104°F or
40°C), nausea, confusion, rapid pulse, dizziness.
- Prevention
& Tips:
- Stay
hydrated – drink water every hour.
- Avoid
direct sun between 11 AM - 3 PM.
- Wear
loose, light-colored clothing.
- Use
fans and air conditioning.
2. Dehydration
- Cause: Excessive sweating and
insufficient fluid intake.
- Symptoms: Dry mouth, fatigue,
dark-colored urine, headache.
- Prevention
& Tips:
- Carry
a water bottle wherever you go.
- Drink
coconut water or oral rehydration solutions (ORS).
- Limit
caffeine and alcohol.
3. Food Poisoning
- Cause: Bacteria in improperly stored
or cooked food.
- Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
stomach cramps.
- Prevention
& Tips:
- Avoid
street food and raw seafood.
- Wash
fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
- Refrigerate
leftovers quickly.
4. Diarrhea & Gastroenteritis
- Cause: Contaminated food/water or
viruses.
- Symptoms: Frequent loose stools, cramps,
fever.
- Prevention
& Tips:
- Drink
only clean, filtered, or boiled water.
- Wash
hands often.
- Eat
freshly cooked meals.
5. Prickly Heat (Heat
Rash)
- Cause: Blocked sweat glands.
- Symptoms: Red, itchy rash, often on the
neck, chest, or back.
- Prevention
& Tips:
- Bathe
twice daily with cold water.
- Use
talcum or anti-rash powders.
- Wear
breathable cotton clothing.
6. Sunburn
- Cause: UV radiation from sun
exposure.
- Symptoms: Red, painful, peeling skin.
- Prevention
& Tips:
- Apply
sunscreen (SPF 30+) every 2–3 hours.
- Wear
hats and sunglasses.
- Stay
in the shade during peak sun hours.
7. Allergies & Asthma
- Cause: Pollen, dust, air pollution,
or mold spores.
- Symptoms: Sneezing, coughing, wheezing,
itchy eyes.
- Prevention
& Tips:
- Keep
windows closed during high pollen days.
- Use
air purifiers indoors.
- Take
prescribed allergy meds.
8. Insect-Borne Diseases (like Dengue, Malaria)
- Cause: Mosquito bites.
- Symptoms: High fever, chills, body
aches.
- Prevention
& Tips:
- Use
mosquito repellents and nets.
- Avoid
stagnant water.
- Wear
long sleeves and pants at dawn/dusk.
๐ General Summer Health Tips
- Stay
Cool:
Use fans, stay in shaded areas, and avoid strenuous activity during peak
hours.
- Hydration
is Key:
Aim for 8–10 glasses of water daily.
- Eat
Light:
Focus on fruits (like watermelon, cucumber), salads, and small frequent
meals.
- Watch
Kids & Elderly Closely: They are more prone to heat-related illnesses.
- Travel
Smart:
Carry water, medications, and avoid unhygienic food while traveling.
๐งด Must-Have Summer Survival
Kit
- Sunscreen
(SPF 30+)
- Rehydration
salts (ORS)
- Hat
and sunglasses
- Insect
repellent
- Antiseptic
wipes
- Aloe
vera gel (for sunburn)
Conclusion
High
summer temperatures can cause health problems, which no one wants. Staying cool
during the summer by drinking enough water, eating well, and spending time
indoors will help you combat the heat and avoid getting sick.
Comments