Summer Season Diseases and How to Prevent Them

 

Why Do You Fall Ill During the Summer?

The main cause is that hotter temperatures and humidity prevent sweat from evaporating, which reduces cooling and increases the risk of dehydration—both of which weaken the immune system. Furthermore, spending more time outdoors and increased travel lead to higher exposure to sun, dust, and pollen, which can trigger allergies and headaches.

The constant temperature whiplash of moving from the hot sun into very cold, air-conditioned offices can confuse your body’s internal regulation, making you more susceptible to illness. This also happens where there is a shift between summer showers and the hot sun, often observed in certain parts of India. Additionally, we often keep windows open for better ventilation, which invites more mosquitoes and increases the risk of dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. 

Excessive heat also slows down digestion; combined with dehydration, this affects gut functionality. Food spoils more easily in the summer, and the overconsumption of cold drinks and ice cream can affect the digestive system, making one prone to infections and food poisoning.

Common Summer Diseases

Some of the most common diseases in the summer season include:

Heatstroke

It is extremely common to feel like you are overheating in the summer because, quite literally, you are, and this is known as heatstroke. When you are constantly exposed to high temperatures or engage in extensive physical activity for too long, your body temperature can rise to 40°C (104°F). Symptoms include delirium, confusion, nausea, and vomiting. Heatstroke can be life-threatening as it can quickly damage the brain, heart, kidneys, and muscles if not treated immediately.

Dehydration

When your body lacks enough water and fluids to perform its usual functions, or if it loses more fluid than it takes in, you experience dehydration. While it affects all ages, it occurs more often in children and older adults. It is also common for anyone active in hot weather to fail to drink enough water. While replenishing fluids can fix mild to moderate cases, severe dehydration requires medical treatment.

Seasonal Allergies

While allergies are often associated with spring, summer is not spared. Summer allergies include dry grasses, weeds, mould spores, air pollution, and dust (which worsens due to lack of rain). These can cause a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, coughing, and itchy skin.

Common Cold

The common cold is not exclusive to cold seasons. While the viruses vary by season, common colds in summer are just as prevalent. The main culprits are rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, which cause nasal congestion, a persistent cough, sore throat, fever, and malaise.

Upper Respiratory Infections

If a common cold does not clear up, or if seasonal allergies and dust exposure become too intense, the upper respiratory tract can become infected. Viruses such as Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and adenoviruses can cause persistent infections leading to bronchitis (inflammation of the airway passages) or, in extreme cases, pneumonia.

Stomach Infections

Food contamination, dietary changes, dehydration, and poor hand hygiene make the gut susceptible to infections. You may experience severe acid reflux, constipation, diarrhoea, vomiting, and indigestion. Noroviruses, Salmonella, and E. coli infections are the common culprits behind the stomach flu in summer. 

How to Prevent Summer Diseases

Some simple ways you can stay healthy during the warmer months and prevent summer diseases include:

When to Visit a Doctor

While many summer ailments can be managed with rest and fluids, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• A high fever and a body temperature that reaches 103°F (39.4°C) or higher that does not subside with basic care.

• Signs of heatstroke include mental confusion, rapid pulse, fainting, or a lack of sweating despite the heat.

• Extreme thirst, very dark urine, dizziness, or sunken eyes.

• Persistent digestive issues such as chronic vomiting or diarrhoea that lasts more than 48 hours, or the presence of blood in the stool.

• Difficulty breathing, wheezing, or a cough that produces thick or discoloured mucus.

• Unexplained Rashes and skin irritations that spread rapidly or are accompanied by a high fever.

Conclusion 

While the summer heat brings opportunities for outdoor fun and relaxation, it also presents significant health risks that shouldn't be ignored. By staying vigilant about hydration, practising strict food hygiene, and protecting yourself from extreme sun exposure, you can enjoy the season without falling victim to common seasonal ailments.

Remember, your body works harder in the heat, so listen to its signals and prioritise preventive care. If you experience severe symptoms like high fever or persistent dehydration, seek medical attention from an internal medicine specialist at Manipal Hospitals. They can help you understand and manage summer season diseases.