With summer starting, many people will be walking around with more skin showing than they’re used to. Unfortunately, this opens up room for more chances of picking up a summer illness like the flu. But it doesn’t have to be that way. We’ll show you how you can keep yourself healthy this summer!
What are the causes of summer diseases?
There are a number of different factors that can contribute to the development of summer diseases. One of the most important is exposure to high temperatures. When the body is exposed to heat, it can cause a number of different problems, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Another factor that can contribute to the development of summer diseases is exposure to contaminated water. This can occur when people swim in lakes or rivers that have been contaminated with bacteria or other organisms. These contaminants can cause a number of different illnesses, including gastrointestinal illness, skin infections, and respiratory infections.
Finally, another factor that can contribute to the development of summer diseases is inadequate ventilation. This can be a problem in homes or other buildings that are not well-ventilated. Poor ventilation can lead to the accumulation of airborne contaminants, which can cause respiratory infections and other health problems.
1. Dehydration
When the water content in your body depletes, you get dehydrated. Summer induces you to sweat a lot. Perspiration, as well as fluid loss through urination, means your body does not have enough water to sustain itself. You can tell you are on the verge of dehydration if you-
- Feel thirsty all the time.
- Are urinating frequently and your urine is dark-hued.
- Feel disoriented
- Experience headaches
To prevent these symptoms from setting in, all you need to do is chug down plenty of water at regular intervals. You can also opt for green coconut water or ‘lassi’. Do not forget to munch on as many watery fruits as possible. Fruits like watermelons, grapes, papayas or mangoes can replenish your body’s water supply.
2. Sun Stroke
If the temperature soars beyond 40 degrees or Celsius, you need to be very wary of the threat of sunstroke. This is actually categorized as a health emergency. Exposure to heat for a long stretch of time in conjunction with dehydration messes with the body’s ability to regulate internal temperature. This triggers sunstroke, which can damage your brain cells and be lethal.
You can foretell the onset of sunstroke from these symptoms-
- Piercing headache
- Dizziness
- Muscle cramps
- Seizures
- Elevated heart rate
To avert sunstroke, drink plenty of fluids, unfurl your umbrella when you step outside, avoid going out between 12 noon and 3 PM and wear comfortable cotton clothing.
3. Hay Fever
Hay fever is a kind of allergy. When your body’s immunity cannot fight off foreign bodies that enter it, you break out in allergies. It is especially prevalent in early summer when flowers bloom and the pollen comes in contact with your body.
Some indicators of hay fever are-
- Congested nose and watering eyes.
- Coughing and sneezing.
- Fatigue and fever.
You can reduce your exposure to allergens if you wear a pollution mask. If you are prone to allergies, consult with your doctor, some medicines can ease the symptoms.
4.Food Poisoning
Summer is the time when several dangerous microorganisms such as Salmonella and Clostridium thrive. And they multiply in food. That is why, unless you prepare your food and store it in the right way, you can come down with a severe case of food poisoning.
The signs of food poisoning are-
- Stomach cramp
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fever
You can immunize yourself against food poisoning if you avoid undercooked meat, raw vegetables, fish that has not been cooked at high temperature and fast food. These foods are the breeding ground for harmful microorganisms.
5. Sunburns
When you expose yourself to the sun for an extended duration, the harmful ultraviolet rays (UVA, UVB) can penetrate your delicate skin leading to a condition called sunburns. This condition is characterized by itchy, dry and red skin that can be accompanied by nausea, fever or chills. In cases where the burns are severe, there may be blisters and the skin may peel once the condition subsides.
What Can You Do:
You can apply a good sunscreen lotion with a stronger SPF about 20 minutes before getting out in the sun. Also, make sure that the skin is moisturized properly.
6. Chicken pox
One of the most deadly summer diseases in India is pox or chickenpox. This viral condition manifests as small fluid-filled blisters all over the body. This condition usually affects small children; however, sometimes adults who are diabetic, have a weakened immune system, have cancer or other such underlying medical conditions may get affected too. This contagious disease spreads through air-borne particles that are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or if the caregiver comes in direct contact with the infected person. Sometimes, the infection may stay dormant until the apt weather conditions arise to support the infection.
What Can You Do
The best you can do is to get a chickenpox shot and prevent yourself from being around the infected person. The infected person should be kept quarantined at home with minimum contact.
7. Jaundice
Another deadly disease that you need to watch out for during the summer months is jaundice. This condition may affect anyone who consumes contaminated food or water. Hepatitis A virus gets into the body through the faeces-oral route, and this happens when you consume water or food that is contaminated with the faeces of an infected person. This condition can become severe and affect the liver too. The main symptoms of jaundice include yellowish skin, pale eyes, dark-coloured urine and itchy skin
What Can You Do
One of the most effective ways to keep this infection at bay is by avoiding the exposure to this kind of infection. Maintaining a healthy weight, managing your cholesterol levels and putting a limit to your alcohol consumption may help in preventing the condition.
Also, don’t forget to wash your hands before cooking or eating.
Summer can be a very taxing season for your body. But if you adopt a few measures you can easily fight off diseases and stay healthy.
