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Doctors have named the most dangerous summer diseases

 
, medical expert
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
 
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09 August 2012, 11:32

Summer is a great time for health improvement and relaxation. During this period, the number of vacations and movement of the population to places of rest increases: to the sea, to the forest, to other regions and countries of the world. In many places of rest, the number of people per unit of area increases, and accordingly, the risk of spreading diseases increases.

Doctors named the most dangerous summer diseases

Hot weather contributes to an increase in the number of intestinal infections, such as cholera, enterovirus and rotavirus infections, hepatitis, dysentery, salmonellosis and others. Storage and transportation conditions of food products do not always meet hygienic standards, so the growth of acute intestinal infections and poisoning increases during the hot period. The danger of poisoning and intestinal infections lies in a sharp deterioration in the health of children, the appearance of vomiting and frequent loose stools, fever and intoxication. Untimely treatment can lead to dehydration, the appearance of serious complications. At the first symptoms of poisoning, it is necessary to urgently seek medical help in specialized medical institutions. Isolation of patients is necessary in order to prevent the spread of infection among the population. Preventive measures include observing the rules of personal hygiene, washing hands before eating and after visiting the toilet, observing the rules of storage and heat treatment of food, avoiding contact with sick people. It is necessary to avoid eating wild plants and mushrooms of unknown origin, perishable products from spontaneous markets, raw unboiled water, and avoid getting sea water into the oral cavity.

During the hot period, overheating and sunburn are also common. When arriving in another climate zone for a holiday, it is important to observe the acclimatization period of the body to the new conditions of stay. It is necessary to visit the beaches between 7 and 11 am in the morning and after 4 pm in the evening. During the day, you need to be in the shade as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids. The period of exposure to open sunlight should begin with a few minutes, increase gradually and not exceed 30 minutes in a row. It is important to periodically go into the shade and wear a hat. Use sunscreen for skin with a protection factor of at least 30-50. Enter the water gradually, starting with washing, then dipping, then swimming. Do not stay in the water for more than 5 minutes in a row, actively move in the water. Signs of overheating can be severe weakness and lethargy, increased body temperature, vomiting, headache. First aid should consist of moving the patient to a cool, shady area, drinking plenty of cool water, and using antipyretic drugs. In such cases, it is necessary to seek medical help immediately. In case of sunburn, avoid exposure to sunlight on the burn site, use products containing panthenol. If necessary, seek help from a dermatologist.

Some of the most common dangerous diseases in children are respiratory viral and bacterial infections. These are adenovirus infections, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, otitis. They are transmitted by airborne droplets from sick people and carriers of the infection. They are spread by exposure to the sun, hypothermia, temperature changes when moving abruptly from a warm to a cold space, and being under a direct stream of cold air from air conditioners. It is important to follow preventive measures and promptly treat and isolate sick people.

Also, insect bites (bees, wasps, mosquitoes, ticks) can be dangerous in the summer. Dangerous complications can be an acute allergic reaction to a bite in the form of swelling of the larynx (Quincke's), anaphylactic shock, widespread allergic swelling at the site of the bite. The first signs can be the appearance of lethargy, up to loss of consciousness, cold sweat, impaired consciousness, suffocation. The onset of such symptoms requires seeking emergency medical care, since in this situation it is important to quickly administer antiallergic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Tick bites are more likely to occur in forests. Complications may include tick-borne encephalitis, the pathogens of which can be carried by ticks. After a walk in the forest, it is important to examine the child's skin to rule out ticks. If one is suddenly found, it is necessary to seek medical help to remove it and identify it at a sanitary station.

In summer, when children are on public beaches or bathing in public showers, the risk of skin fungal infections increases. They manifest themselves in the form of characteristic rashes on various parts of the body. If you suspect a fungal rash, you should consult a dermatologist.

When on holiday abroad in exotic countries, contracting some tropical diseases can be dangerous. There are endemic zones, i.e. zones of increased prevalence of tropical diseases. If after visiting such countries the child's health deteriorates, fever, lethargy, skin rashes, vomiting, nausea appear, it is necessary to urgently contact the infectious diseases department in order to determine the pathogen and adequate treatment.

In order for your vacation to be remembered for new positive impressions and not to be marred by illness, it is important to follow preventive measures, sanitary and hygienic rules and personal hygiene, follow the rules of acclimatization and adaptation to the new climate, and also to avoid contact with sick people. The key to health is prevention and timely and adequate therapy.

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