4 Common Summer Season Diseases & How To Prevent Them?

Not only are summers in India immensely uncomfortable but they also have the potential to be quite lethal. The relentless sun beating down on you can wreak havoc with your body. But, do not despair. You can actually breeze through summer and keep yourself safe (and sane) and the only way to do that is by being aware of the illnesses that summer can trigger.

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.

Summer flu or flu as it is more generally known, is a highly contagious respiratory disease.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

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.

Heat exhaustion, headache, dizziness, weakness, and hyperthermia are commonly seen in summer season. Getting adequate hydration and a limited exposure to sun should be tried as far as possible.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj, M.B.B.S., M.D. in Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology

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 characterised 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 moisturised properly.

6. Chickenpox

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.

Read More: 7 Foods to Eat During Food Poisoning

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.

Read More: 8 Best Foods to Eat During Summer To Keep Your Body Cool

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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