The much-awaited summer season is officially here. Summer is the perfect time for fun, sun and water but the hot weather brings with it a myriad of illnesses and diseases every year that can affect you and your loved ones. If you wish to enjoy this vibrant season to the fullest, it is important to follow some safety steps to keep these common summer diseases at bay. This informative blog brings you a list of six common summer diseases to look out for, with helpful tips on how to avoid them. Continue reading!
Top Six Common Diseases In Australia
As mentioned, the scorching summer heat brings with it many common summer diseases if precautions are not taken. Here are the most common summer diseases and illnesses that can hit you and your loved one in the hot weather.
1. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a common summer disease that occurs when you eat food or drink water containing certain types of harmful bacteria and viruses. Intense hot temperature encourages harmful bacteria to multiply. Pre-prepared food that stands outside in the heat creates the perfect atmosphere for food poisoning. The symptoms of food poisoning include loss of appetite, stomach pain, fever, extreme headaches vomiting, nausea, etc. To prevent the risk of contamination and food poisoning, food that is prepared in advance should be stored in a refrigerator. Add more fresh veggies and fruits such as sugarcane, mangoes, watermelon and cucumber in your routine diet. Also, make sure you consume freshly prepared food.
2. Dehydration
This is another common problem that most people suffer from during the summer. Dehydration is caused when the amount of water consumed by an individual fails to meet the requirement of the body. During the summer months, we tend to lose a great deal of water along with essential minerals and salts in the form of sweat. Signs of dehydration include fatigue, headache, dry mouth and tongue, dark-coloured urine, loss of appetite and dizziness. The best way to beat this typical summer illness is to drink plenty of fluids, particularly, if you are working or playing in the sun. Seek medical help upon the detection of any of the mentioned signs and symptoms.
3. Skin Rashes
Skin rashes are possibly the most common summer skin concern, affecting both children and adults. Skin rashes develop when sweat glands become blocked. Rashes on the skin can be quite discomforting and can cause itching too. To avoid this common summer disease, wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made out of cotton material and maintain basic hygiene. Try to keep your skin cool by using cool showers, air-conditioning and fans when possible. If symptoms persist, consult your health specialist.
4. Heat Stroke
Clinically termed hyperthermia, heat stroke results from prolonged exposure to intense hot temperatures. While this condition is manageable, if the symptoms become severe, heatstroke may lead to a coma. In some cases, the condition is fatal and is even responsible for causing a number of deaths in many countries. A few of the common symptoms of heat stroke or hyperthermia include high body temperature, throbbing headache, rapid pulse, dizziness and absence of sweating despite the heat. Getting immediate medical assistance is a must to prevent severe consequences. You can prevent hyperthermia by not going outdoors in the direct sunlight between 11 Am to 4 pm, staying properly hydrated and using sun protection.
5. Chicken Pox & Measles
Viral infection causes chickenpox and measles especially in children during the summer season. The symptoms of these two common summer diseases differ as measles include cough, skin rashes, high fever and redeyes while chickenpox can be identified with scabs, itchy skin, high-grade fever, headache and loss of appetite. Consult your GP immediately in case you notice any of the symptoms of Measles and chickenpox in summer. In case you suspect or have been infected with any of these diseases, isolate yourself to avoid infecting your loved ones.
6. Bug Bites
Bug bites are generally more annoying than a cause for concern during summer. While most bug bites and stings are harmless and heal quickly, some can be extremely dangerous. Bugs such as ants, spiders and mosquitoes can carry harmful diseases. So, if you develop a fever or notice a skin rash following a bite, you should see a doctor immediately.
Takeaway
Being aware of the common summer illnesses and diseases and knowing how to prevent them can help you and your near ones enjoy the much-awaited summer season without suffering from any of these diseases. However, if you or someone in your family end up getting sick, seek emergency medical care immediately. The health care professionals are there to assist and ensure that you and the people you care about will have a safe and enjoyable summer.
