Beware of these ‘summer diseases’!
Beware of these ‘summer diseases’!
Most of us are aware that certain diseases are more prominent in certain seasons than the others. In the summer months, the intense heat can be host to a number of health problems that range from headaches, skin rashes to jaundice and chicken pox.No matter where one lives, summer diseases are inevitable. Hence, ‘prevention is better than cure’ and one must take the necessary steps to stay healthy. Here are a list of summer diseases that one must protect himself or herself against.
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Skin rashes- During summer, skin rashes are common among children and adults. This typically occurs when an individual sweats too much. The sweat accumulates in clothes and the constant itching and rubbing for a prolonged time can cause itchiness that further leads to a rash.
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Chickenpox- It is one of the most common summer diseases. It starts in the form of fluid-filled, red, small rashes accompanied by fever as high as 102 Fahrenheit, which ultimately turns into fluid-filled blisters that crust or chip on leaving marks on the skin. People who have diabetes, cancer, blood pressure, tuberculosis and those who have a weak immune system are more prone to chicken pox. The virus (Varicella-zoster) travels through droplets present in the environment, exhibited by an infected person either through their sneezing or coughing spells. Symptoms include scabs, blisters, itchy skin, high-grade fever, redness, loss of appetite, headache and fever that last for a week or so.
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Measles- Measles is a summer diseases which is also known as rubeola. It is transmitted in a similar way as chicken pox. It usually infects the lining at the back of the throat. Its initial symptoms are cough, high fever, sore throat, reddening of the eyes. At a later stage, the tiny white spots and measles rashes appear all over the body. In most cases, it starts around the hairline and face. As a preventive, it is usually recommended an MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rabies) vaccine.
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Jaundice- Commonly a water-borne disease, jaundice can cause Hepatitis B and is caused by consuming contaminated food or water. Jaundice spreads mainly due to a feces-oral routine. It occurs when an uninfected person consumes the food or water containing the feces of an infected person. If it isn't treated on time, it can affect the functionality of the liver. The visible symptoms include yellow colouration of the skin, mucous membrane and the whites of the eyes, light coloured stools, dark coloured urine, and itchy skin.
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Typhoid- One of the other common summer diseases is typhoid. This too is passed through the oral-faecal route. It is also known as typhoid fever. It is a water-borne disease. Contaminated food and water source becomes a breeding ground for the bacteria which spreads the disease. Visible symptoms of typhoid are weakness, loss of appetite, fatigue, high fever, pain in the abdomen. The weakened bacterium is injected in the form of medicine or pill so as to help the body build immunity against it.
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Mumps- Of all summer diseases, mumps is the most dangerous viral disease. It is contagious in nature and gets transmitted when an infected person sneezes or coughs. Some of the visible symptoms include swelling of the salivary gland, headache, fever, loss of appetite and weakness.
Prevention
The main reason for the outbreak of various diseases in summer is because of the presence of a favourable condition which allows the viruses, bacteria and other parasites to breed. Here are some healthy tips that one can take to keep themselves safe during summer--
Try to avoid activities outside the home during peak sun hours.
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Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and crowded areas.
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Increase water or liquid intake so as to prevent dehydration.
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Use sunscreen with a higher SPF to prevent skin damage.
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Avoid roadside food or contaminated water.
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Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetable.
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Wear wide-brimmed hats to avoid direct exposure to the sun.
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Prefer light-coloured, loose clothing as dark colours absorb heat.
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Keep your premises healthy and clean.
