5 common summer ailments and how to avoid them

In autumn, we all start to think about ways to protect ourselves from colds and flu. We get flu shots and read advice on how to keep out family fit and healthy throughout the winter. But, what about the rest of the year? Cold weather certainly isn’t the only thing that contributes to getting sick. There are plenty of bugs and complaints going around throughout the summer, and just as many ways to avoid them. Below are 5 common summer ailments, including heat stroke, and how you can protect yourself from them.

The last thing you want is to be stuck indoors sick when the sun is shining and everyone else is out having fun.

5 summer ailments (and preventative tips!):

1. Injuries

It’s important to remember that sickness isn’t the only thing that can put you flat out on the couch. Injuries can be even worse. In the winter, we fall and slip in the snow, and there are more car accidents on icy roads than the rest of the year. But, injuries can happen at any time.

The sun’s rays can blind you, leading to accidents and falling. You could trip when playing with the kids in the park, and every year people manage to injure themselves while spring cleaning their homes.

Wear sunglasses, take your time, be careful and make sure you read instructions and safety advice on any equipment and cleaning products. If you do sustain an injury, it’s a good idea to contact a personal injury lawyer if your daily life will be affected. But, try not to let it come to that in the first place.

2. Hay fever

Hay fever or rhinitis is one of the most common reasons for being stuck inside during the spring and summer months. Around 8.5% of adults have been officially diagnosed with hay fever. But, many people self-medicate or suffer alone without visiting their doctor, so the actual number of people affected could be significantly higher.

Hay fever is a seasonal allergy; it could be that you’re allergic to grass pollen, flower pollen, or the pollen from springtime blossom.

This allergy can cause sore and itchy eyes, sneezing, a runny and itchy nose, fatigue, earache, headache, a tickly throat and cough, and shortness of breath. In extreme cases, it can be debilitating.

Common ways to manage hay fever are:

• Take an antihistamine
• Shower before bed to wash away any pollen on your skin or in your hair
• Put Vaseline around your nose to catch the pollen particles before they enter your body
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to keep the pollen out of your eyes
• Vacuum, wash towels, and change bedding regularly
• Close your windows and doors at home

Hay fever can last for months, so if your symptoms are severe and it affects your quality of life, you should visit your doctor for further help.

More summer ailments to avoid:

3. Sunburn

Sunburn is another incredibly common problem in warm weather. Despite all of the advice and warnings out there, many people still make the same skincare mistakes.

For example, you might apply sunscreen on very hot days, but only in the morning when you dress. The reality is that application isn’t enough.

Instead, to avoid sunburn, apply sunscreen on any exposed skin, even on cloudy days. Yes, the harmful UV rays from the sun can penetrate and cause damage even through the clouds.

Also, remember to reapply sunscreen every few hours, especially after being in the water. The water will wash off the sunscreen, thereby exposing your skin to the strong sun.

Skin damage from sunburn can be very painful. It can leave your skin red, blistered, and sore, which is why it’s best to follow the above preventative tips.

As the skin starts to heal from a sunburn, it can peel and itch, and long-term this damage can lead to skin cancer. So, it’s imperative that you protect yourself.

4. Heat stroke in summer: Another ailment

Spending too much time in the sun can damage more than just your skin, by the way. Being in direct sunlight for too long can lead to heat stroke.

The symptoms of heat stroke include:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Lightheaded
• Red skin
• Cramps and muscle weakness
• Shallow breathing

These symptoms can become very serious and require hospitalization. To reduce the risks of getting heat stroke in summer, stay indoors or in the shade in the midday sun, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

5. The common cold

Surprised that this one is on the list of summer ailments? The truth is people don’t only get colds in winter.

Struggling with a common cold can happen at any time of the year. To avoid the discomfort, practice good personal hygiene – including washing your hands regularly – and get as much rest as you can each and every night.

What are some other summer ailments?