Summer has arrived, and this is the time when people, especially children, are likely to be affected by several diseases. In India, April to June are the warmest month as the temperature is unbearable and affects the whole body. If precautions aren’t taken, the extreme heat and relentless dryness can bring on a common summer ailment. Here are some of the most prevalent summer ailments and how to avoid them.
Common Diseases
Food poisoning
During summer, one of the most common diseases in children is food poisoning. It is happened due to the consumption of contaminated food or water. The hot and humid weather makes the food spoiled by the bacterial growth that leads to food contamination. Raw meat, food sold by vendors, and contaminated water are the main cause of food poisoning, which results in stomach pain, diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting.
Precautions:
- Always keep the leftover food in the refrigerator.
- Food must be properly cooked To prevent spoilage.
Heat stroke
Heat stroke can be fatal if left untreated. It happens as a result of prolonged exposure to excessive temperatures. A sudden increase in body temperature, exhaustion, nausea, headache, dizziness, weakness, vomiting, and breathing difficulties are all warning signs of a heat stroke. It even results in organ failure, unconsciousness, and, ultimately, death.
Precautions:
- Avoid being outside for a longer time.
- If you go outside, protect your face and head from direct sunlight.
- Drink water and juice frequently to keep both you and your toddler hydrated.
- Put on loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes.
Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is another disease prevalent in children during summer days. Eating contaminated food and drinking unsafe are the primary causes of diarrhoea. When someone has diarrhoea, they frequently pass watery stools throughout the day, which can cause them to become dehydrated.
Precautions:
- Drink only clean, well-boiled water.
- Avoid purchasing food from open vendors because flies and insects may have been sitting on it.
- Before you slice veggies, always wash them properly.
Sunburn
Long-term sun exposure is bad for your health. Sunburn is the term used to describe skin burns caused by excessive UV light. The risk of damage is determined by numerous factors, including the time of day, the duration of time spent under the sun, and others. It is extremely dangerous to leave kids unsupervised in cars for a long period of time.
Precautions:
Before going outside, use sunscreen lotion.
Put on protective clothing and a cap or hat, or umbrella for further protection.
Chickenpox
Chickenpox is one of the most common diseases that occur during summer. When an infected individual sneezes or coughs, airborne particles disseminate the disease. Scabs, blisters, high-grade fever, itchy skin, redness, appetite loss, and headache are typical symptoms.
Precautions:
For chicken pox, a vaccine is available. However, several easy precautions can be taken, such as:
- Washing your hands properly after being in a public area.
- Chickenpox sufferers should be kept isolated to stop the disease from spreading.
Mumps
Mumps is a highly contagious viral illness that is known to primarily affect children during the hottest months of the summer. It is caused by the mumps virus, which is spread when someone with the infection sneezes or coughs. The salivary glands at the base of the neck of the infected person may swell, which is a typical sign.
Precautions:
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is quite efficient for avoiding this disease.
Measles
Measles, commonly known as rubeola or morbilli, is a highly contagious disease that is most prevalent in the summer. It spreads similarly to chicken pox and affects the lining of the back of the neck. A runny nose, high fever, cough, sore throat, and red eyes are the first signs of measles.
Following the onset of these symptoms, the measles rash and tiny white spots within the mouth develop. In most cases, the face and hairline are affected by the rashes.
Precautions:
The MMR (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) vaccine is quite efficient for avoiding this disease.
Heat rashes
Heat rashes occur most frequently in children during hot and humid weather. The rash, which can be red or pink, typically appears on body parts hidden by clothing. It appears as spots or tiny pimple-like lesions on the skin when sweat ducts become blocked and swell up. It frequently causes pain and irritation.
Precautions:
It can be quite beneficial to apply prickly heat powders to the affected areas.
