Summer - The top 5 common health concerns of the season

Whilst we most commonly associate colds and flu with the colder months. The summer will bring along its fair share of bugs and sickness. Whilst boosting your immune system and having plenty of first aid and flu treatments on hand are vital during winter. These will also be very important once the sun arrives too.

Summer problems

Studies suggest that 85% of children get ill at least four times a year, and each time a new infection rears its head. One parent is likely to need to take time off from work to care for their poorly progeny. Since colds spread so quickly through schools, children are more likely to fall ill than their parents and may have weaker immune systems to fight off infection. This means that parents need to be prepared for illnesses all year round. Not just when the weather outside is of the frightful variety.

At Steroplast Healthcare, we are aware that the summer can bring just as many health dangers as the winter. Below, we list 5 of the most common summer illnesses and health concerns to help you prepare.

Hay fever

The most common summer health concern will be hay fever, and just because you or your children have never had it in the past, it doesn’t mean you will be safe from the perils of pollen. Many people develop hay fever spontaneously and in turn are completely ill-equipped to deal with it. It is therefore wise to have antihistamines on hand to ease symptoms should they arise. Air pollution, increased stress levels and genetic predispositions have all been blamed for the rise in hay fever cases. But no matter why it arises, if it does it can wreak a great deal of havoc with both personal and working lives.

Asthma

With pollen levels high, not only is hay fever likely to lead to sneezing, streaming eyes and running noses. But those with breathing concerns such as asthma are also likely to be hit hard. From extended time spent outside to the higher humidity experienced in the summer. There are many reasons why asthma may well be worse in the summer months. Keeping medication and inhalers replenished and readily available as well as staying inside when the pollen count or humidity is particularly high may be a wise idea for adults and children alike who are faced with breathing difficulties.

Food poisoning

Food poisoning is far more common over the summer than in the winter. The heat and humidity offer the perfect conditions for bacteria to breed and flourish. During warm spells, always keep perishable food refrigerated. Also ensure that you adhere to sell-by dates even more strictly than usual.

Heat stroke and sunburn

Heat related issues are very common over the summer months for obvious reasons. Such problems are likely to affect older individuals more, due to the fact that we lose our ability to effectively deal with heat as we age. From spending less time outdoors at the hottest times of day to simply keeping hydrated, wearing a sun hat and using sunblock. There will be many ways to help mitigate the dangers of the sun and even if we are not the hottest country in the world. The warmest days can still do significant damage.

Lyme disease

Spread by ticks who love the summer heat, Lyme disease is estimated to affect around 3,000 people in Britain each year. Common symptoms include a pink or red rash and flu-like symptoms. However, when left untreated it can also cause muscle pain, swelling and even mild and temporary paralysis. Whilst there is no vaccine, such dangers can be mitigated by wearing insect repellent and avoiding heavily wooded areas. It also helps to wear long-sleeved shirts and to be on the lookout for ticks when you are in the countryside.