The 5 Most Common (and Surprising) Summer Health Issues

Summer is here, and the attention of many is shifting to focus on the harmful UV rays that cause a number of serious health issues.

While it’s great to be sun smart, there are numerous other surprising problems that affect our health and wellbeing. Here are five of the most common health issues that arise in summer, and they may surprise you.

1. Food Poisoning

Bacteria tends to multiply in warmer climates, and with summer comes many BBQs and Picnics. This means food left outside in the sweltering heat this can be the perfect condition for bacteria to thrive. Contaminated food can lead to food poisoning, which can cause serious nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Food poisoning can sometimes lead to more serious issues, which in turn could lead to hospitalisation. Ensure that you keep pre-prepared food stored correctly in a cool and hygienic area.

2. Hyperthermia

The blanket term hyperthermia relates to any heat-related illness, from heat stroke to heat exhaustion. It refers to a number of conditions that occur as the body’s heat regulation system isn’t able to process the impacting heat of your environment. 

Those that are older in age can be more susceptible to hyperthermia, but it can also come on from other chronic medical conditions such as poor circulation, heart disease and obesity.

Prevention can take place by avoiding the outdoors in the hottest parts of the day, through seeking colder conditions indoors, and by staying hydrated.

3. Otitis Externa (Swimmer’s Ear)

Commonly referred to as Swimmers Ear, Otitis Externa occurs when water gets stuck in the ear canal after swimming. This can lead to swelling, itchiness and discharge in acute cases but if left untreated for too long can cause serious infection and fever.

4. Asthma Attacks

In hotter climates, the air tends to feel thicker with higher levels of smog, air pollution, pollen and humidity. This all can cause asthmatic attacks which can be both minor and life-threatening depending on the severity of the attack. It is caused by difficulty of breathing, coughing, wheezing and chest pain. If you are prone to asthma attacks that you carry appropriate medication, such as an inhaler. In serious cases, please seek the nearest medical attention.

5. Hay Fever

One of the most common concerns over the summer besides sun burn is an allergic reaction referred to as hay fever. With the over production of pollen in the air, you are breathing in so many foreign substances into the body which can trigger hay fever. Avoid the streaming eyes, sore throat and congested nose by avoiding outdoor activities in the garden, and taking some antihistamines.