Summers are probably a kid’s favourite season. Whether it is enjoying cold shakes, smoothies, ice cream, soft drinks and juices to beat the summer heat or playing all day long in summer vacations. No school, just enjoying the day without any worries.
Your kid may be the happiest during this time of the year, but what about you? We’re sure your kid’s exposure to the scorching heat has you worried all the time. In fact, not just the heat, but the number of diseases that are common in children in summer.
Here, we discuss some of the most frequent summer ailments affecting kids and offer practical tips for prevention.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Symptoms:
Heat exhaustion manifests as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. If not addressed, it can escalate to heat stroke, characterised by a high body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, and potentially loss of consciousness.
Prevention tips:
- Ensure kids stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Encourage taking breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.
- Dress children in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Schedule outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
Sunburn
Symptoms:
Red, painful skin that feels hot to the touch, and in severe cases, blisters and peeling skin.
Prevention tips:
- Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Dress children in protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses.
- Avoid direct sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
Waterborne illnesses
Symptoms:
Symptoms vary depending on the infection but can include diarrhoea, vomiting, and abdominal cramps.
Prevention tips:
- Ensure children swim in well-maintained pools and avoid swallowing pool water.
- Teach kids to avoid swimming in lakes or rivers with posted contamination warnings.
- Practice good hygiene, such as showering before swimming and washing hands after using the bathroom.
Food poisoning
Symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever.
Prevention tips:
- Keep perishable foods refrigerated or in a cooler with ice packs.
- Teach kids to wash their hands before eating.
- Avoid undercooked meats and ensure food is cooked to proper temperatures.
- Be cautious with picnic foods, ensuring they are not left out in the sun for extended periods.
Insect bites and stings
Symptoms:
Redness, swelling, itching, and sometimes pain at the bite or sting site. Some children may have allergic reactions requiring medical attention.
Prevention tips:
- Use insect repellent.
- Dress children in long sleeves and pants when in wooded or grassy areas.
- Avoid using scented lotions or perfumes that can attract insects.
- Check for ticks after outdoor activities, especially in wooded areas.
Hand, foot, and mouth disease
Symptoms:
Fever, sores in the mouth, and a rash on the hands and feet.
Prevention tips:
- Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
- Disinfect common surfaces and toys regularly.
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals.
Swimmer’s Ear (Otitis Externa)
Symptoms:
Itching in the ear canal, redness inside the ear, discomfort, and sometimes discharge.
Prevention tips:
- Keep ears dry by using earplugs or a swim cap while swimming.
- Dry ears thoroughly after swimming, using a towel or hairdryer on a low setting.
- Avoid inserting objects into the ear canal, including cotton swabs.
Symptoms:
Redness in the white of the eye, itching, discharge that may form a crust, and tearing.
Prevention tips:
- Encourage children to avoid touching their eyes with unwashed hands.
- Ensure they wash their hands frequently and avoid sharing personal items like towels or pillows.
- Keep them away from infected individuals.
Closing thoughts
Summer should be a time of joy and relaxation for kids, free from the burden of preventable illnesses. But as the scorching summer heat is there to ruin the fun, your best bet is to follow these tips to prevent common summer illnesses. Stay vigilant, practice good hygiene, and take necessary precautions to protect your kids from these summer ailments, allowing them to make the most of their sunny adventures.
