Common Summer Diseases that You need to know!

09-06-2017   |   Posted By: Kumkum Sharma   |   3404 View(s)

As soon as summer season starts, we all start planning to enjoy the vacations by visiting hilly areas and drinking cool beverages. However, the summer brings along various diseases and health problems that one must know about.  There are many summer diseases which are severe and hence one must know about them.

It is a well-known fact that some diseases are more prominent in certain seasons than others. For example, cold, flu and cough are common health conditions of winters, malaria and dengue of monsoon and diarrhoea and heat stroke of summers.

In India, the months of May and June are usually the hottest. In some areas, the temperature rises as high as 51 degrees, while various other regions experience moderate summers.

It does not matter where one lives because some summer diseases are unavoidable. However, one must take preventive measures against summer diseases because “Prevention is better than Cure.”

Common Summer Diseases that you must protect yourself From:

A. Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a health condition caused by consumption of contaminated food or water. It is a disease which is spread by bacteria, viruses, chemicals and toxins; which after entering the human body, leads to stomach pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Raw meat, food sold in the open market and contaminated water carry many bacteria contaminants which may lead to food poisoning.
What are the Symptoms?

The major signs and symptoms of food poisoning are abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting, mild fever, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches and nausea.

How to Prevent?

    Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and soap before and after handling food.

    When you do shopping, prepare food or store food; make sure to keep raw meat, poultry, fish and shellfish away from other foods as it prevents cross-contamination.

    Wash tea towels and dishcloths on a regular basis and let them dry completely before you use them again.

    Keep the fridge temperature below 5C.

    Do not eat foods sold in the open by roadside vendors

B.Chicken Pox

Chicken Pox develops in the human beings due to a virus, known as Varicella zoster. This particular virus grows in wet areas, and that is why during the summer season, you must ensure that the water tanks and other gardens are sprayed in a proper manner to safeguard against life-killing viruses.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of Chicken Pox include rash, tiredness, high fever, a headache, muscles pain and loss of appetite.

How to Prevent?

    Get vaccinated for Chicken Pox

    Build your immunity by eating fruits and vegetables; getting proper sleep, exercising properly and cutting down on cigarettes and alcohol.

    Wash your hands with warm, soapy water frequently.

C.Jaundice

Jaundice is a very common water-borne disease which develops due to the intake of unhygienic water and food items.

What are the Symptoms?

The common symptoms of Jaundice include the yellowish colour of the skin and eyes, itchiness, fatigue, abdominal pain, weight loss, fever and dark urine.

How to Prevent?

    Maintain hygiene and sanitation properly

    Eat a balanced diet including fresh vegetables and fruits

    Drink clean water

    Get yourself vaccinated

    Exercise regularly

D.Typhoid

Typhoid is an infection which is caused by Salmonella typhimurium, a type of bacteria. This disease is also very common in the summer season.

What are the Symptoms?

The primary symptoms of Typhoid include fever, rash, weakness, constipation, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea.

How to Prevent?

    Get yourself vaccinated

    Wash your hands frequently

    Do not drink untreated water

    Avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables

E.Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a health condition that occurs due to exposure to a hot environment, heavy physical workout in hot weather, wearing uncomfortable tight-fitted clothes, drinking alcohol and dehydration. It occurs when the body reaches a temperature of 104 degrees F or higher.

What are the Symptoms?

The leading symptoms of Heat Stroke are body temperature of 104 F or higher, confusion, slurred speech, feeling hot and dry, red skin, rapid breathing, headache, muscle cramps and increased heart rate.

How to Prevent?

    Wear loose-fitted, light-coloured clothes

    Wear a sunscreen and carry an umbrella while stepping out in the sun.

    Stay hydrated

    Eat a balanced diet

F.Measles

Measles is a severe disease which usually occurs in children and is caused due to Paramyxo virus.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms of measles usually appear within 14 days of exposure to the virus. The symptoms are a cough, fever, muscle ache, runny nose, red eyes, light sensitivity, sore throat and white spots inside the mouth.

How to Prevent?

The best way to prevent measles is by getting vaccinated.

Summer can be a beautiful season to enjoy with friends and family. All you need is awareness about the summer diseases so that you can take a few precautions to prevent these diseases.