6 Diseases You Need To Protect Yourself This Summer

The summer season in India is known to be gruelling and draining for the human body. But with this prediction, individuals must exercise extra caution with their health.

From the scorching sun to the dry winds known as Loo, the hot season can take a heavy toll on the human body. As a result, individuals can be susceptible to certain seasonal diseases in summer.

6 common diseases to be aware of this Summer

Here are six summer diseases and how to avoid them:

1. Dehydration

This is one of the most common summer diseases. It is characterised by dry mouth and tongue, appetite loss, intense fatigue, dark urine, and severe thirst. Since hot weather causes excessive sweating, the body loses more water than it ingests. As a result, individuals lose energy and suffer from extreme thirst and tiredness.

To avoid this, individuals must drink at least two to three litres of water every day to replace depleted fluids in the body. Further, limiting alcohol and caffeine can also help the body stay hydrated.

2. Heatstroke

This is caused by the body overheating due to continuous exposure to high temperatures or extreme physical exertion. Its symptoms include high body temperature, sweating, delirium, slurred speech, nausea, flushed skin, rapid breathing, headache, etc.

To prevent suffering from this summer disease, individuals must avoid sun exposure, and remain indoors or in the shade. Further, in case an individual shows signs of heatstroke, a healthcare professional must be consulted immediately.

3. Food Poisoning

This is caused by the ingestion of contaminated water or food. Its symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and fever.

The warm weather is highly conducive to bacterial growth, causing Clostridium and Salmonella infections. To prevent food poisoning, individuals must consume freshly cooked meals and store food safely in the refrigerator.

4. Hay Fever

Also known as allergic rhinitis, this is a type of allergy that can be triggered by pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc. Its symptoms include congested nose, watering eyes, fatigue, fever, coughing and sneezing.

Hay fever is extremely common. However, if not treated properly and in time, the symptoms can worsen. Individuals must consult a doctor and seek treatment.

5. Mumps

This is a viral summer disease that can cause painful swelling in the parotid salivary glands. Its symptoms include fever, headache and fatigue. Since it affects the salivary glands, individuals suffering from Mumps often have puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw.

Although this is usually a mild disease, serious complications can arise in some cases. Individuals must ensure they are vaccinated against Mumps. This can reduce the chance of them contracting it significantly.

6. Measles

Also known as Rubeola, this is a viral respiratory disease. It causes a blotchy red rash that initially appears on the face and behind the ears before spreading downward to the chest, back and legs.

Its symptoms include fever, dry cough, runny nose, inflamed eyes, sore throat and skin rashes. It is a highly contagious summer disease that can even be fatal for small children. Individuals must check that they are vaccinated against measles to prevent contracting it.

Tips to Prevent Summer Diseases

Here are ways individuals can reduce the chances of contracting seasonal diseases in summer:

1. Individuals must drink enough water and include coconut water and juices of musk melon and watermelons into their diet.
2. Individuals must avoid heavy exercise and try and work out in the morning or evening.
3. Individuals must stay indoors and avoid direct exposure to the sun between 12 pm and 3 pm.
4. Individuals must apply sunscreen lotion with a minimum SPF of 15, preferably 20-30 mins before sun exposure.
5. Individuals must exercise caution when ingesting street food as chances of food spoiling increase in hot weather.

Individuals must take precautions against the severe summer season to prevent health conditions like summer fever disease, and summer colds. If one observes symptoms of the above six diseases, they must consult a healthcare professional and book a test with Dr. LalPath Labs for accurate and timely treatment.

FAQs

1. What are the common diseases in the summer?

The common diseases in summer include dehydration, heatstroke, food poisoning, hay fever, mumps and measles.

2. How can we prevent diseases in summer?

Drinking enough water, avoiding heavy exercise, limiting direct exposure to the sun, applying sunscreen lotion when outdoors and exercising caution when ingesting street food are some ways individuals can prevent summer diseases.

3. What are seasonal diseases?

Seasonal diseases arise due to a particular season. Changes in temperature and environmental conditions increase the chances of contracting specific diseases during a particular time of year. For instance, hot weather can give rise to cases of summer diseases such as dehydration and heatstroke.