What are some common summer illnesses?

• Summer illnesses are conditions resulting from high and extremely hot temperatures, forcing the body to work harder than usual to dissipate heat and maintain internal temperature balance. If the body cannot dissipate heat effectively, it can lead to various health problems.
• Some examples of summer illnesses include heat rash, cramps, dizziness, rhabdomyolysis, diarrhea, food poisoning, rabies, hepatitis A, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
• Ways to prevent summer illnesses include avoiding heat and sunlight, keeping cool indoors, keeping your body cool, and drinking plenty of water.
• Those working outdoors need to be especially careful. Start by checking if you are in a high-risk group, avoid working in direct sunlight, plan to complete outdoor work before 1 PM, drink plenty of clean water, stop working and seek shade immediately if you experience any symptoms, and wear breathable clothing.

Summer illnesses are a silent threat that comes with hot weather and should be watched out for. They often result from high temperatures causing the body to be unable to regulate its internal temperature, leading to symptoms such as heatstroke, heat rash, sun exhaustion, food poisoning, etc., which commonly occur during the summer. Self-care includes drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sunlight, resting in the shade, and staying in cool places. This article outlines some common summer illnesses, along with symptoms to watch for and treatment options.

What are Summer Epidemics?

Summer illnesses are primarily caused by high and extremely hot temperatures, forcing the body to work harder than usual to dissipate heat and maintain internal temperature balance. If the body is exposed to extreme heat for extended periods and cannot maintain a stable temperature, it can lead to various abnormalities that may become severe and dangerous to health.

Who is at risk for summer epidemics?

Generally, those at risk may have difficulty adapting to hot weather or have other risk factors, including

• Individuals with chronic underlying conditions
• Elderly individuals aged 65 and older
• Young children
• Obese individuals

What are some common summer illnesses?

Heat Rash

Heat rash is caused by a condition where sweat cannot evaporate from the skin normally, leading to clogged pores. This causes sweat to accumulate under the upper layers of the skin, causing inflammation and irritation. It usually appears as small blisters or red spots in areas that are damp or experience friction on the body, especially in hot and humid weather.

Symptoms

• Small red bumps or clear blisters that often appear in clusters.
• Occurs in damp areas and skin folds such as the neck, chest, armpits, under the breasts, groin, and back.

First Aid

• Move to a cool, comfortable, and well-ventilated area to reduce sweating.
• Keep the affected skin dry and avoid dampness.
• Apply a thin layer of talcum powder to absorb moisture and reduce friction.

Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are a muscle disorder that often occurs in extremely hot weather. They are caused by the body losing a large amount of water and electrolytes through sweat, resulting in an imbalance of minerals in the body. This causes severe muscle spasms and subsequent pain.

Symptoms

• Muscle cramps and spasms, especially in the arms, legs, or abdomen.
• Severe pain often occurs during exercise or outdoor work.

First Aid

• Drink clean water or electrolyte drinks in small amounts frequently every 15-20 minutes.
• Avoid self-medicating with electrolyte tablets unnecessarily.
• If the patient has heart disease or does not improve within 1 hour, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Syncope

Heat syncope is a temporary condition of fainting or dizziness due to excessively high temperatures. It often occurs from standing in the sun for extended periods or changing posture rapidly, resulting in insufficient blood flow to the brain, leading to sudden fainting or dizziness. This is a summer condition that requires special attention.

Symptoms

• Temporary fainting or loss of consciousness.
• Dizziness and blurred vision.
• Often occurs when standing in extreme heat for extended periods or changing from a sitting or lying position to a standing position too quickly.

First Aid

• Immediately move the person to a cool, comfortable, and well-ventilated area.
• Lie down or sit in a relaxed position to rest.
• Drink clean water or electrolyte solution little by little.
• If symptoms do not improve after resting, or if they worsen, see a doctor immediately.

Summer Muscle Breakdown (Rhabdomyolysis)

Rhabdomyolysis is a dangerous condition where skeletal muscle is severely damaged and breaks down, releasing large amounts of toxins, such as myoglobin and creatinine, into the bloodstream. These substances are toxic to the kidneys and can lead to acute kidney failure. It often results from prolonged exposure to extreme heat or strenuous exercise in hot weather that the body cannot regulate quickly enough.

Symptoms include

• Severe pain, swelling, or cramping.
• Dark, tea- or cola-like urine.
• Feeling exhausted and fatigued even without strenuous activity.

First Aid

• Stop exercising or working outdoors immediately.
• Drink more clean water.
• See a doctor immediately for blood tests and kidney function assessment.

Diarrhea (Diarrhea Diseases)

Diarrhea is a condition characterized by abnormal bowel movements, including three or more watery stools within 24 hours, or one instance of bloody or mucous stool. It is often caused by consuming contaminated food or water. If the symptoms are mild, the body will recover on its own. However, if severe, you may have diarrhea more than 10-20 times, leading to shock or unconsciousness due to severe dehydration.

Symptoms

• Watery diarrhea or diarrhea with mucus and blood.
• Severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
• Fever, headache, and extreme fatigue.

First Aid

• Drink oral rehydration solution or electrolyte solution to replace lost fluids.
• Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages, as they may further stimulate fluid loss.
• Medications to relieve symptoms can be used as directed by a doctor or pharmacist, only as needed.
• Get enough sleep and avoid strenuous activity.
• If symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention immediately.

Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is caused by consuming food or water contaminated with bacteria such as S. aureus, B. cereus, or C. perfringens. These bacteria thrive especially in hot weather. The most common causes are consuming spicy food or leftover food that has not been properly stored. Consuming undercooked or raw meat can cause inflammation in the digestive system and affect daily life.

Symptoms include

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Intermittent, cramping abdominal pain
• Continuous vomiting or vomiting with blood

First Aid

• Drink clean water or electrolyte solution
• Temporarily refrain from eating during severe symptoms
• Get enough rest to allow the body to recover more quickly
• Do not self-medicate with anti-diarrheals without consulting a doctor or pharmacist.
• If symptoms are severe, seek medical attention immediately.

Rabies

One of the most common summer infectious diseases, rabies is a serious contagious disease caused by a virus that spreads easily during the summer months. This virus can be transmitted from animals to humans through bites, scratches, or licking of open wounds, especially from mammals such as dogs and cats. Once the virus enters the body, it attacks the central nervous system. If left untreated, severe symptoms can be fatal.

Symptoms

• Fever, headache
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Burning, itching, or tingling sensation around the bite or scratch wound

First Aid

• Immediately wash the wound thoroughly with clean water and soap for at least 15 minutes.
• Clean the wound again with an antiseptic solution or 70% alcohol.
• If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth or gauze to stop the bleeding.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a common gastrointestinal infection during the summer. It is transmitted through consuming contaminated food or water, as well as close contact with an infected person, such as sharing personal items. Or contact with bodily fluids.

Symptoms

• Nausea, loss of appetite, or noticeable aversion to food.
• Feeling weak and easily tired.
• Dull pain in the right rib cage area.
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).

First Aid

• Avoid eating raw or undercooked food.
• Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet.
• Get vaccinated against Hepatitis A, especially if you are in a high-risk group or traveling to affected areas.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a condition where the body is severely weakened due to exposure to extreme heat, leading to excessive loss of water and electrolytes through sweat. This disrupts the body's fluid balance. If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can worsen and lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.

Symptoms

• Dizziness, headache, feeling weak.
• Irritability.
• Nausea, vomiting, and excessive sweating.
• Decreased urination.
• Elevated body temperature, but not exceeding 40°C.

First Aid

• Move to a shaded area or a room with air conditioning and good ventilation.
• Remove unnecessary clothing.
• Use a cool, damp cloth to wipe the body, especially the neck and joints.
• Encourage sipping cold water or electrolyte drinks in small amounts.
• Absolutely avoid alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• If symptoms do not improve within 30 minutes after initial care, or if the person loses consciousness, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a condition where the body is exposed to extremely high temperatures, causing an accumulation of heat beyond its limits, resulting in a body temperature exceeding 40°C. This condition is life-threatening because excessive heat can damage vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys. If not treated urgently, it can lead to permanent disability or death.

Symptoms

• Extremely high body temperature, exceeding 40°C within 10-15 minutes.
• Confusion, incoherent speech, slow response, restlessness, or seizures.
• Dry, red, and extremely hot skin.
• May faint, lose consciousness, or enter a coma immediately.

First Aid

• Move to a shaded area or a well-ventilated room immediately.
• Remove unnecessary clothing.
• Lower body temperature immediately, such as by immersing the person in a cool bath or applying cold, soaked cloths to areas like the head, neck, armpits, and groin.
• Use a fan to help cool the body while simultaneously wiping it down with cool water.
• Contact emergency hotline 1669 and transport the person to a hospital as quickly as possible.

How is Heatstroke Different from Heat Exhaustion?

The difference between heatstroke and heat exhaustion can be observed in the body's heat regulation. Heat exhaustion is a condition where the body can still regulate its temperature to some extent, resulting in excessive sweating and moist skin. Heatstroke, on the other hand, is a life-threatening critical condition where the temperature regulation system completely fails, causing the body temperature to rise above 40°C, resulting in extreme heat, but no sweating, and dry, reddened skin.

What Precautions Should Outdoor Workers Take?

Outdoor workers are among the most vulnerable groups to summer illnesses and must take extra precautions. Here are some tips

• Assess your own risk by checking if you belong to a high-risk group, such as being elderly, obese, or having chronic conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.
• Avoid working in direct sunlight. If unavoidable, use a rotating system to reduce exposure to high heat.
• Plan to complete outdoor work before 1 PM, as this is when the weather is hottest.
• Drink plenty of clean water every 15 to 20 minutes, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid sugary electrolyte drinks as they can further dehydrate the body.
• If you feel extremely hot, sweat excessively, or urinate infrequently and with dark-colored urine, stop working immediately and seek shade or an air-conditioned room.
• Wear appropriate, breathable clothing.
• Get enough rest and avoid alcohol, smoking, and coffee.
• Watch for any unusual symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, or lightheadedness. If these occur, stop working immediately, inform a colleague, and seek medical attention.
• In severe cases, immediately move the person to a shaded area, remove their clothing, and apply a cool compress to their neck, armpits, groin, and torso. If the person is still conscious, have them sip water while waiting for urgent medical attention.

What to do when you find someone who has fainted from sunstroke

1. Immediately move them to a shaded area. Quickly remove the patient from the direct sunlight and have them rest in a shaded area or a room with air conditioning.
2. Position them flat on their back. If there are no injuries to the neck or back, elevate their feet to improve blood circulation.
3. Rapidly lower their body temperature. Start by removing outer clothing. Then, apply cold, wet cloths or ice packs to the joints, neck, armpits, and groin. You can also use a misting spray with water while using a fan, or pour cool, room-temperature water over them to help dissipate heat.
4. Give them water to drink if they are conscious. Have them sip plain water or electrolyte solution little by little. Do not give them large amounts at once.
5. If the patient is unconscious, position them on their side to prevent aspiration. If they are having seizures, do not use any objects to pry them open or put anything in their mouth. Remove any sharp objects from the area around the patient.
6. If the patient stops breathing, immediately perform CPR and call emergency hotline 1669 for immediate transport to a hospital.

Do electrolytes really help with sun fatigue?

Electrolytes can indeed help combat sun fatigue, especially when caused by excessive sweating in extremely hot weather. This leads to the loss of water and essential electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and chloride, resulting in fatigue, dizziness, or palpitations.
Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) electrolyte solutions are designed to replenish sugars and electrolytes lost from exercise or prolonged sun exposure. They help the body absorb water quickly, restore balance, and effectively reduce fatigue. They should be consumed immediately when symptoms begin, in small sips, and ORS (oral rehydration solution) should be avoided for diarrhea.

How to Prevent Summer Epidemics

• Avoid heat and sunlight.

  Avoid going outdoors or engaging in strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day.

  Stay indoors as much as possible, as temperatures can feel 10-15 degrees Celsius higher than they appear.

  Take breaks in a cool place for 2-3 hours a day.

  Be aware of the risk of drowning; never swim alone.

  Stay informed about heat warnings from government agencies.

• Keep your home cool.

  Open windows in the evening to let cool breezes into the house.

  During the hottest part of the day, close windows and blinds to block sunlight and turn off unnecessary electrical appliances.

  Use electric fans only when the temperature is below 40 degrees Celsius. Above that, fans will only increase body heat.

  If using an air conditioner, set the temperature to 27 degrees Celsius and use a fan. This can reduce the perceived temperature by up to 4 degrees Celsius and save up to 70% on electricity.

• Keep yourself cool and drink plenty of water.

  Wear light, loose clothing and choose breathable bedding.

  Take a cool shower or bath.

  Use a damp cloth to wipe your body or spray water on your skin, or wear light, moist clothing.

  Drink water regularly, about one glass per hour, or at least 2-3 liters per day.

Treating Summer Infections at Vibhavadi Hospital

As summer approaches, in addition to the hot weather, one should also be aware of summer illnesses, some of which can affect daily life and even be life-threatening. If you experience any unusual symptoms related to summer illnesses, you can receive examination and treatment at the General Medicine and Chronic Diseases Center at Vibhavadi Hospital. With modern technology and expert physicians, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment are crucial, leading to significant symptom relief and improvement.

In summary

Summer illnesses occur when the body cannot regulate its temperature effectively, leading to an imbalance. This severely impacts young children, the elderly, those with underlying health conditions, and those working outdoors. Symptoms range from heat rashes, cramps, and dizziness to critical conditions like rhabdomyolysis and heatstroke, which can be life-threatening. Furthermore, foodborne illnesses and rabies are also serious concerns. Prevention involves drinking plenty of clean water to replenish electrolytes and avoiding direct sunlight during the day.

If symptoms worsen, immediately call the emergency hotline 1669 for urgent transport to a hospital. Vibhavadi Hospital offers treatment, including advanced medical equipment and expert medical care, ensuring targeted diagnosis and treatment to maintain good health even during the summer.