Summer has arrived, and along with it, the mercury is steadily rising. While the scorching temperatures can be unpleasant, they also bring an increased risk of various health issues.
On the Gold Coast in Australia, the summer season typically spans from December to February and is renowned for its sweltering heat and high UV index.
The entire body, from your skin and eyes to your digestive system, can be affected by the heat. Failure to take appropriate precautions can lead to a range of common summer ailments.
Here is a list of the most prevalent health conditions we see during the summer months and valuable tips on how to avoid them.
1. Heat Stroke: Recognising, Preventing, and Treating
Heat stroke, also known as hyperthermia, is a frequently encountered summer ailment that results from prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
It often manifests with preliminary symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and weakness, which can quickly progress to unconsciousness, organ failure, and, in severe cases, even death.
Preventing Heat Stroke
To prevent heat stroke, it’s essential to stay cool and hydrated. Here are some tips to consider:
Stay Hydrated: Regularly consume water to keep your body cool and prevent dehydration.
Shade and Ventilation: Seek shade and well-ventilated areas to minimize heat exposure.
Wear Light Clothing: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics to stay comfortable.
Cold Compress: Apply cold packs or damp cloths to your body to lower your temperature.
Avoid Strenuous Activities: Refrain from engaging in strenuous activities during peak daytime heat.
Remember: If someone shows signs of heat stroke, seek immediate medical attention.
2. Food Poisoning
Food poisoning is a prevalent concern during the summer, as the warm and humid weather creates ideal conditions for bacterial growth and food contamination.
Preventing Food Poisoning
Here are some precautions you can take to minimize the risk of food poisoning:
Clean and Cook: Thoroughly wash and cook food, especially meat, to kill harmful bacteria.
Safe Water: Consume safe, purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses.
Food Storage: Properly store leftovers in the refrigerator to prevent bacterial growth.
Note: If you experience symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea, or vomiting after consuming food, consult a healthcare professional.
3. Dehydration: The Silent Summer Threat
Dehydration is a common issue during the summer when our fluid intake fails to compensate for the increased loss of fluids due to excessive sweating.
Preventing Dehydration
To combat dehydration, keep these strategies in mind:
Drink Water Regularly: Make a conscious effort to consume an adequate amount of water throughout the day.
Electrolyte Balance: Consume foods rich in electrolytes like potassium and sodium to replenish lost salts.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: These substances can dehydrate you, so use them in moderation.
Monitor Urine Color: Dark urine can be a sign of dehydration; aim for a light, pale yellow colour.
4. Mumps
Mumps, a notorious summer disease, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily targets children during the peak of summer.
The virus spreads when an infected person sneezes or coughs, releasing tiny viral particles into the air.
The Swelling Parotid Gland
One of the hallmark symptoms of mumps is the swelling of the parotid gland, which sits just in front of the ears. This swelling leads to excruciating pain and fever.
The discomfort mumps brings is not to be taken lightly.
Preventing Mumps
Immunisation: Vaccination is the only effective method of prevention when it comes to the mumps.
5. Chicken Pox
Chickenpox is another common summer illness, recognized by the presence of scabs, blisters, itchy skin, redness, high-grade fever, loss of appetite, and headaches.
If someone you know is suffering from chicken pox, it is in your best interest to avoid contact with that person until they have recovered.
Preventing Chicken Pox
Immunisation: The best way to prevent chickenpox is to get the chickenpox vaccine.
6. Measles
Measles is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a virus.
Initial symptoms include high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and red eyes.
These early signs later develop into a measles rash, accompanied by fever, cough, runny nose, and tiny white spots within the mouth.
The rash typically appears around the hairline and face.
Preventing Measles
Immunisation: Community-wide vaccination is the most effective way to prevent measles.
7. Typhoid
Typhoid is a potentially life-threatening water-borne disease.
It is acquired by faecal-oral spread (when people don’t wash their hands properly after going to the toilet and then handle food or drinks), or via faecal contamination of food and water.
Most cases of typhoid fever in Australia occur in travellers returning from developing countries.
Common symptoms of typhoid include high fever, fatigue, weakness, abdominal pain, headache, and loss of appetite.
Preventing Typhoid
The best ways to avoid typhoid include:
Immunisation: Check if the typhoid fever vaccination is recommended for you.
Washing your hands: Keep your hands sanitised before handling food and eating.
Be careful in the water: Be aware of your surroundings when swimming in rivers or canals to make sure you aren’t swimming close to an active sewage pipe.
8. Sunburn
Sunburn is a painful reminder of overexposure to the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
It damages your skin cells, resulting in painful rashes and peeling skin.
Protecting your skin from UV radiation is essential to prevent sunburn.
Tips to Prevent Sunburn
Slip on some sun-protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
Slop on broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF30+ sunscreen.
Slap on a hat which is broad-brimmed or legionnaire-style to protect your face, head, neck and ears.
Seek some shade, especially during the hottest part of the day between 12pm – 4pm.
Protect yourself During Summer
While summer may bring its share of diseases, with proper precautions, you can enjoy the season to the fullest.
Stay hydrated, protect your skin from the sun, maintain good hygiene, and keep your environment clean.
By doing so, you can ensure a healthy and enjoyable summer, free from the clutches of common summer ailments, conditions and diseases.
