7 Seasonal Diseases In Summer To Watch Out For This Year!
Health
Published on: 13-May-2024
10 min read
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Mahi
7 Seasonal Diseases In Summer To Watch Out For This Year!
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As summer approaches, it's essential to remain alert against many seasonal diseases that often peak during the warmer months. From heat-related illnesses to foodborne infections and allergic reactions, seasonal diseases in summer present a range of health risks that demand attention and precautionary measures. Thus, understanding these common seasonal diseases in summer and their symptoms helps safeguard one's wellness and enjoy a healthy summer.
Among the most prevalent seasonal diseases during summer are heatstroke or heat wave stroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunburn, all stemming from prolonged exposure to high temperatures and intense sunlight. Additionally, foodborne illnesses, mosquito-borne diseases, and allergies pose significant health threats during this time, underscoring the importance of adopting preventive strategies and staying informed about potential risks.
In this blog, take a closer look at the diseases that occur in the summer months, their causes, major symptoms and, most importantly, how they can be prevented.
Table Of Contents
1. What Are Seasonal Diseases?
2. What Are The Common Summer Diseases? 7 Seasonal Diseases In Summer
3. 10 Common Summer Illnesses
4. Dietitian’s Recommendation
5. The Final Say
6. FAQs
7. References
What Are Seasonal Diseases?
Seasonal diseases are illnesses that occur predominantly during specific times of the year, often corresponding to changes in weather patterns or environmental conditions. These diseases may emerge or become more prevalent during particular seasons due to temperature fluctuations, humidity levels, and the proliferation of certain pathogens. Examples of seasonal diseases include respiratory infections like the flu or seasonal influenza and common cold during the colder months, heat-related illnesses like heatstroke and dehydration in the summer, and other environmental allergens during spring and fall.
Thus, understanding seasonal diseases and their risks can help in preventive measures and seeking timely medical care when necessary to overcome their impact on wellness.
What Are The Common Summer Diseases? 7 Seasonal Diseases In Summer
Let’s get to know about the seasonal diseases in summer with symptoms and prevention tips:
1. Heatstroke
It is a severe heat condition where the body's core temperature reaches 104°F (40°C) or higher. It happens when the body's thermoregulation mechanisms fail, often due to extneded exposure to high temperatures or strenuous regular physical activity in a hot environment.
Symptoms: Symptoms of heatstroke include a rapid heartbeat, extremely high body temperature, confusion, dizziness, nausea, and, in severe cases, loss of consciousness. It's crucial to recognise these symptoms, as heatstroke is a medical emergency that causes serious complications, including organ damage or death.
Prevention: To prevent heatstroke, staying well-hydrated is essential, especially by drinking plenty of fluids and water. Avoid long exposure to the sun, particularly during the hottest hours of the day, and seek shade or cooler environments when possible. Wearing loose, lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed hat can help regulate your heightened body temperature by allowing sweat to evaporate more efficiently.
2. Heat Exhaustion
It is a milder form of heat-related illness that often precedes heatstroke. It occurs when the body loses electrolytes and fluids through excessive sweating, leading to dehydration and an inability to cool down properly.
Symptoms: Major symptoms of heat exhaustion include profuse sweating, weakness, fatigue, headache, nausea, and fainting. If left untreated, heat exhaustion can even cause sudden heatstroke.
Prevention: The preventive measures for heat exhaustion are similar to those for heatstroke. Stay hydrated, take breaks in cool or shaded areas, and avoid heavy lifting activities during the hottest parts of the day. Recognising the early signs of heat exhaustion and taking steps to cool down and rehydrate promptly is essential.
3. Dehydration
This lack of hydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than its intake, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes and hindering essential bodily functions. During the summer, the risk of dehydration escalates due to increased sweating and inadequate fluid intake.
Symptoms: Recognisable symptoms of dehydration include persistent thirst, dark-coloured urine, fatigue, dry mouth, dizziness, and confusion. Severe dehydration can result in more critical conditions like heatstroke or stroke.
Prevention: Preventing dehydration involves maintaining adequate fluid intake, primarily through water. It's crucial to avoid beverages that can exacerbate dehydration, such as soft drinks, caffeinated beverages, and alcohol. Paying attention to urine colour can serve as a helpful indicator of hydration status. Additionally, the role of hydration in immune function is essential; thus, seeking cool environments and consuming hydrating foods like fresh fruits and leafy vegetables can aid in preventing dehydration during hot weather.
4. Sunburn
It arises when the skin is exposed to the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation for an extended period without protection. UV rays penetrate the skin, damaging DNA in cells, which manifests as inflammation, redness, and discomfort.
Symptoms: Symptoms of sunburn include reddened and tender skin, swelling, blistering, and eventual peeling. Severe sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer and accelerates premature skin ageing.
Prevention: Protecting against sunburn involves using sunscreen with a 50+ high sun protection factor (SPF) that shields against UVA and UVB rays. It's important to apply sunscreen evenly to all exposed skin, including the full face, neck area, and ears, and to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Wearing protective clothing such as lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, along with staying under shade during peak sun hours, can further reduce long-term skin damage.
5. Foodborne Illnesses
Common foodborne illness occurs when contaminated food or water containing bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins is consumed. Warmer temperatures in summer create favourable conditions for bacterial growth, increasing the food poisoning risk.
Symptoms: Food poisoning signs vary depending on the contaminant but often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, fever, and chills. These symptoms may manifest within a few hours to a few days after consuming contaminated food.
Treatment: Treatment for foodborne illnesses typically involves supportive care to alleviate symptoms, including fluid and electrolyte replacement. In severe cases or certain diseases, antibiotics may be necessary. Prompt medical attention is crucial for severe cases to prevent complications.
Prevention: Protecting against foodborne illnesses involves practising good hygiene habits, such as regular handwashing and sanitising surfaces. It's important to separate raw meat from other foods, cook foods to appropriate temperatures, and promptly refrigerate perishable foods to prevent bacterial growth.
6. Mosquito-Borne Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases are transmitted to humans through mosquito bites and pose a significant health threat, particularly in warm regions.
Note these common Mosquito-Borne diseases:
Malaria: Transmitted by Anopheles mosquitoes and caused by Plasmodium parasites.
Dengue Fever: Transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and caused by the dengue virus.
Zika Virus: This infection can cause birth defects and neurological complications, which Aedes mosquitoes transmit.
West Nile Virus: This virus can cause fever, encephalitis, and meningitis, which are transmitted by infected Culex mosquitoes.
Symptoms: Mosquito-borne illnesses typically include fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, rash, and fatigue. Severe cases cause hemorrhagic fever, neurological disorders, or death.
Treatment: Treatment focuses on symptom management and support. Antibiotics may be used for certain infections, while antimalarial drugs are prescribed for malaria. Prevention relies on vector control measures such as mosquito repellents, insecticide-treated bed nets, and environmental controls to reduce mosquito populations.
Prevention: Preventing mosquito bites involves using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts and pants, installing screens on doors and windows, and eliminating standing water sources like mosquito breeding sites.
7. Allergies
Common allergies occur when the body's immune system reacts to typically harmless substances, resulting in a range of concerns that can vary from mild to severe, even life-threatening. Allergens can be found in foods, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, insect bites, and certain medications.
Note these common allergic conditions:
Seasonal Allergies (Hay Fever): Seasonal allergies are triggered by pollen from trees, grasses, and plants. Symptoms may include sneezing, runny nose, itching, and bloodshot eyes.
Food Allergies: Common allergens include peanuts, tree nuts, shellfish, eggs, milk, wheat, and soybeans. Food allergies can manifest symptoms ranging from itching and hives to severe allergic reactions.
Insect Sting Allergy: Some individuals have severe allergies to insect stings, such as those from bees, wasps, hornets, and fire ants. Symptoms may include swelling, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and anaphylaxis.
Symptoms: Allergy symptoms vary depending on the type of allergy and individual sensitivity. Symptoms may affect the respiratory system (e.g., cough, wheezing), skin (rash, hives, itching), gastrointestinal tract (e.g., vomiting, diarrhoea), or cardiovascular system (changes in heart rate, blood pressure).
Treatment: Managing allergies typically involves avoiding exposure to allergens whenever possible and controlling symptoms with medications such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants, corticosteroids, or epinephrine for severe allergic reactions. Immunotherapy for allergies may be recommended for long-term management of certain allergies.
Prevention: This may entail allergy testing to pinpoint specific allergens and taking steps to minimise exposure. Good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and regular cleaning to reduce exposure to allergens like pollen and dust mites, can also be beneficial in allergy prevention.
10 Common Summer Illnesses
Note these common seasonal illnesses in summer to prevent long-term healthiness:
Common Summer Illnesses | Symptoms | Prevention and Tips |
Swimmer's Ear (Otitis Externa) | Earache, itching, rash, ear discharge | Dry ears thoroughly after swimming. Use ear drops to help remove water from the ears. Avoid inserting objects into the ears. |
Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) | Redness, itching, watery eyes, discharge | Practice good habits and hygiene, avoid touching your eyes, and refrain from sharing eye-related items. Seek medical advice for proper treatment, especially if the infection is bacterial. |
Heat Rash (Prickly Heat) | Small red bumps or blisters, itching | To stay cool and dry, wear loose, breathable clothing and avoid excessive sweating. To alleviate discomfort, use talcum powder or medicated creams. |
Seasonal Flu | Fever, body aches, chills, cough, fatigue | Get vaccinated, practice good hygiene, and avoid close contact with sick individuals. Seek medical care if symptoms persist or worsen. |
Plant-related Skin Irritations | Redness, swelling, itching, blisters, rashes | Identify and avoid contact with allergenic plants, wash affected areas promptly, and use over-the-counter remedies for relief. |
Waterborne Illnesses | Swim in safe, clean water, avoid swallowing water, shower after swimming, and stay hydrated. | Be cautious of water quality when swimming in natural bodies of water. Observe signs of water contamination and seek medical help if symptoms occur. |
Heat-related Headaches | Headaches or migraines | Stay hydrated, avoid excessive sun exposure, manage stress, and take breaks in cool, shaded areas. |
Exacerbation of Chronic Conditions | Worsening of asthma, allergies, eczema | Manage symptoms with proper medication, avoid triggers, stay hydrated, and seek medical advice for worsening symptoms. |
Tick-borne Illnesses | Fever, rash, fatigue, muscle aches | Wear protective clothing, use insect repellents, perform tick checks after outdoor activities, and promptly remove ticks with tweezers. |
Exertional Heat Illnesses | Heatstroke, heat exhaustion, dehydration | Stay hydrated, acclimatise to hot conditions, pace physical activities, take breaks in cool areas, and wear suitable clothing for ventilation. |
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Drinking water to protect from heat stress and fatigue in the summer months is important. To avoid dehydration, choose foods that are high in water, such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid contamination by washing your hands and use insecticides to prevent mosquito bites. Use an antihistamine to control allergies and limit outdoor activities during pollen season. Watch for signs of dehydration, heatstroke, and food poisoning, and seek medical attention if necessary. Eat healthy, nutritious foods to support overall health and improve immunity to protect against seasonal diseases in summer.
Dt. Akshata Gandevikar
The Final Say
In the end, remember that while the summer months are filled with fun and outdoor activities, it's important to pay attention to health and safety and be wary of seasonal illnesses from the heat. From seasonal diseases in summer like heat wave stroke and dehydration to foodborne illnesses and mosquito-borne illnesses, prevention is key. By staying hydrated, using sunscreen, following a healthy diet, preventing bug bites, and managing allergies, you can enjoy everything the season offers while minimising the risk of seasonal diseases in summer.
FAQs
1. What problems do you face in the summer season?
During the summer season, individuals may encounter various seasonal diseases in summer, including:
Heat-related illnesses include heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration due to high temperatures and humidity.
Skin problems include sunburn, heat rash, and exacerbation of conditions like eczema.
Allergies are triggered by pollen, grass, and other environmental factors.
Insect bites and stings lead to allergic reactions or infections.
Waterborne illnesses from swimming in contaminated water sources.
2. What are the tips to prevent seasonal diseases in summer?
To prevent seasonal diseases in summer, consider the following tips:
Stay hydrated by drinking fluids throughout the day, especially in hot weather.
Use sunscreen with a high SPF and reapply every three hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and protective gear like hats and sunglasses outdoors.
Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing and showering after outdoor activities.
Avoid contact with allergens like pollen and insect bites by staying indoors during high pollen counts and using insect repellents.
Be cautious of food intake and water hygiene to prevent illnesses and infections.
Take breaks in cool, shaded areas during outdoor activities to prevent heat-related illnesses.
3. What are the common summer illnesses treatment options?
Treatment options for common summer illnesses include:
For heat-related illnesses, such as heatstroke or heat exhaustion, immediate cooling measures and rehydration are essential. Seek medical attention for severe cases.
Allergies can be managed with antihistamines, nasal sprays, and avoidance of triggers. Severe allergic reactions always require emergency treatment with epinephrine.
Topical creams, antihistamines, and cold compresses can relieve insect bites and stings. Seek medical attention for severe reactions or signs of infection.
Depending on the specific infection, waterborne illnesses may require supportive care, such as rehydration and antibiotics.
Cooling measures, moisturizers, and topical corticosteroids can manage skin problems like heat rash or eczema flare-ups.
References
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Comments (3)
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