Common Sickness in Summer: What Parents Should Know
Summer brings unique health challenges for children. The combination of heat, increased outdoor activities, and exposure to various environments makes children particularly vulnerable to common sickness in summer. From heat-related conditions to infectious diseases, being aware of these illnesses can help parents take preventive measures and seek timely medical intervention.
Children are more prone to heat illnesses because they produce more heat, sweat less, and may miss overheating signs. Their developing immune systems also increase infection risk in summer. making them more vulnerable to infections that spread easily during summer months.
Summer Sickness: How to Identify and Treat Heat Exhaustion
Summer sickness can range from mild dehydration to severe heat exhaustion, which is one of the most serious heat-related conditions affecting children during hot weather. Heat exhaustion happens when the body becomes too hot and is unable to cool down effectively properly, usually It results from extended exposure to high temperatures combined with insufficient fluid intake.
Signs of heat exhaustion in children include:
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale, and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting
If your child shows these symptoms, move them to a cool place immediately, loosen their clothes, Place cool, damp cloths on their body and encourage them to slowly sip water. If symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour, seek medical attention. Recognizing the early signs of summer sickness is crucial for prompt treatment and preventing progression to heatstroke, which is a medical emergency.
Summer Viruses That Affect Children: Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Summer viruses like enterovirus and coxsackievirus spread rapidly in community pools and playgrounds. One of the most common viral infections during summer is Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD), which primarily affects children under five years of age.
HFMD is characterized by:
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Painful mouth sores
- Rash on hands and feet
- Loss of appetite
- Irritability
The disease is highly contagious, spreading through contact with saliva, nasal discharge, blister fluid, or stool. Children are especially vulnerable at camps and group activities.
While HFMD usually resolves on its own within 7-10 days, parents should ensure their child stays hydrated and comfortable. If symptoms are severe or if your child is unable to drink fluids due to painful mouth sores, consult with a healthcare provider.
Diseases in Summer That Affect Children’s Skin
Certain diseases in summer affect children more severely than adults, particularly those involving the skin. The hot, humid weather creates perfect conditions for various skin infections and rashes.
Heat Rash (Prickly Heat)
Heat rash occurs when blocked sweat glands trap sweat under the skin, causing small red bumps or blisters, often in skin folds and areas of friction.
Impetigo
This bacterial skin infection is more common in summer and spreads easily in hot, humid conditions. It appears as red sores that break open quickly, ooze for a few days, and then develop into a honey-colored crust.
Fungal Infections
Conditions like ringworm and athlete’s foot thrive in warm, moist environments. These fungal infections cause itchy, red, scaly patches on the skin.
Parents should be vigilant about diseases in summer that can cause skin issues by ensuring children bathe regularly, wear clean, loose-fitting clothes, and dry thoroughly after swimming or sweating. If skin conditions persist or worsen despite home care, consult a pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Most Common Sickness in Summer: Food Poisoning in Children
Food poisoning is the most common sickness in summer affecting children, primarily due to bacteria multiplying rapidly in warm temperatures and improper food storage during outdoor activities, picnics, and barbecues.
Symptoms of food poisoning include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal cramps
- Diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
- Fever
- Headache
- Weakness
Children are more vulnerable to food poisoning due to their developing immune systems, poor hand hygiene, and tendency to put contaminated objects in their mouths.
Knowing common summer illnesses helps parents prepare and prevent them. To avoid food poisoning, handle and store food properly, keeping cold foods cold and hot foods hot, and don’t leave perishables out over two hours (or one hour if above 90°F).
Fever in Summer: When to Be Concerned
A persistent fever in summer could indicate a viral infection rather than heat exhaustion. While fever is a common symptom of many childhood illnesses, summer fevers require special attention due to the risk of dehydration and heat-related complications.
Parents should monitor fever in summer carefully, as it may signal different illnesses than in winter months. A fever is typically considered a body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or above. In summer, it’s important to distinguish between fever caused by infection and elevated body temperature due to heat exposure.
When to seek medical attention for fever in summer:
- Temperature above 102.2°F (39°C)
- Fever lasting more than three days
- A fever along with a severe headache, stiff neck, or skin rash
- Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, no tears when crying)
- Difficulty breathing
- Unusual drowsiness or irritability
AVEE Hospital provides comprehensive pediatric care for children with unexplained or concerning fevers, with access to the best pediatrician in Vaishali Ghaziabad for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Stomach Bug in Summer: Signs and Treatment
A stomach bug in summer can quickly lead to dehydration in young children due to the combination of gastrointestinal symptoms and hot weather. Gastroenteritis, commonly known as a stomach bug, is particularly prevalent during summer months.
Symptoms include:
- Watery diarrhea
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
Children with a stomach bug in summer should increase their fluid intake significantly to prevent dehydration. Offer small sips of clear fluids frequently, and think about using oral rehydration solutions to restore lost electrolytes. Avoid dairy products, sugary drinks, and fatty foods until symptoms improve.
Warning signs of severe dehydration that require immediate medical attention include:
- Decreased urination or dry diapers for several hours
- Dry mouth and tongue
- No tears when crying
- Sunken eyes or fontanelle (soft spot on an infant’s head)
- Unusual drowsiness or irritability
- Cold or mottled hands and feet
Swimmer’s Ear: A Common Summer Infection
Swimmer’s ear (otitis externa) is an outer ear infection caused by water trapped after swimming, creating a moist environment for bacteria. It’s common in summer when kids spend more time in pools and lakes.
Signs of swimmer’s ear include:
- Ear pain that worsens when the outer ear is pulled or pressed
- Itchiness inside the ear
- Redness and swelling of the ear canal
- Drainage of clear, odorless fluid
- Decreased or muffled hearing
- Fever in severe cases
To prevent swimmer’s ears, ensure children dry their ears thoroughly after swimming by tilting their head to each side to allow water to drain out. Using ear drops specifically designed to dry the ear canal after swimming can also help prevent infection.
If your child shows signs of swimmer’s ear, seek advice from a healthcare professional provider. Treatment typically involves antibiotic ear drops and keeping the ear dry during the healing process.
Insect Bites and Stings: Summer Hazards for Children
Summer outdoor activities increase children’s exposure to insects that bite and sting. While most insect bites cause only minor discomfort, some can lead to more serious reactions, especially in children who are allergic.
Common insect bite reactions: redness, swelling, pain or itching, blisters, and warmth. Severe reactions needing urgent care: widespread hives, facial or throat swelling, trouble breathing, dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat.
Severe reactions needing urgent care include widespread hives, swelling of face or throat, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea, and rapid heartbeat. To prevent insect bites, apply appropriate insect repellent before outdoor activities, dress children in light-colored, long-sleeved clothing when in wooded areas, and avoid using scented soaps or lotions that may attract insects.
How to Help Your Child Sleep Comfortably on Hot Summer Nights
The heat of summer often exacerbates child sleep problem issues, requiring specialized pediatric advice. Many children struggle with sleep during hot weather, which may impact their overall health and behavior.
Common summer sleep issues include:
- Difficulty falling asleep due to high room temperature
- Frequent night waking
- Increased irritability and tantrums due to sleep deprivation
- Changes in sleep patterns due to longer daylight hours
To help children sleep better during summer:
- Keep the bedroom cool (between 65-70°F if possible)
- Use lightweight, breathable bedding
- Maintain a consistent bedtime routine
- Consider using a fan or air conditioner
- Install blackout curtains to block early morning sunlight
- Ensure adequate hydration throughout the day
AVEE Hospital offers consultations for child sleep problem concerns that worsen during hot weather. Sleep disturbances that persist despite these measures may require professional evaluation to rule out underlying health issues.
Dehydration in Children: A Serious Summer Concern
Dehydration occurs when fluid loss exceeds intake; children are especially vulnerable in summer.
Signs of mild to moderate dehydration include:
- Dry or sticky mouth
- Fewer tears when crying
- Decreased urine output or darker yellow urine
- Dry, cool skin
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Irritability
- Fatigue or dizziness
Severe dehydration is an emergency. Signs include extreme thirst, dry mouth/skin, sunken eyes or soft spot, irritability, confusion, and lethargy.
Prevention is key: make sure children drink plenty of fluids daily, especially around physical activity. Water is best, but fruits, homemade popsicles, and diluted juices also help.
Preventive Measures for Summer Illnesses
Prevention is better than cure, especially for children’s summer health. Here are key measures to protect them from common summer illnesses:
- Stay hydrated: Make sure children drink enough water all day, even if not thirsty.
- Sun Protection: Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen, dress children in hats and lightweight long sleeves, and seek shade during peak sun hours.
- Food Safety: Practice proper food handling, storage, and preparation, especially during picnics and outdoor meals.
- Hand Hygiene: Encourage frequent handwashing using soap and water, especially before eating and after bathroom use, playing outdoors, or touching animals.
- Insect Protection: Use appropriate insect repellents and dress children in protective clothing when in areas where insects are prevalent.
- Swimming Safety: Ensure proper supervision around water, teach children not to swallow pool water, and have them shower before and after swimming.
- Environmental Awareness: Check heat advisories and limit outdoor activities during extreme heat.
- Regular Check-ups: Schedule routine visits with the best pediatrician in Vaishali Ghaziabad to monitor your child’s health and address any concerns promptly.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While many summer illnesses can be managed at home, certain symptoms warrant immediate Seek medical attention if your child shows signs of:
- High fever (above 102.2°F or 39°C) that doesn’t respond to fever-reducing medication
- Signs of dehydration despite increased fluid intake
- Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- Persistent vomiting or diarrhea
- Severe headache, especially with fever and neck stiffness
- Unusual drowsiness or difficulty waking
- Severe abdominal pain
- Rash that spreads quickly or doesn’t blanch (fade) when pressed
- Any symptoms that cause significant distress or concern
AVEE Hospital’s pediatric department is equipped to handle these emergencies with prompt, expert care. As a trusted medical care hospital near me for many families in Vaishali and Ghaziabad, AVEE Hospital ensures timely intervention to help avoid complications and promote quicker recovery for your child.
Conclusion
Summer illnesses in children require vigilant monitoring and sometimes professional medical intervention. Understanding the signs and symptoms of common summer sickness helps parents make informed decisions about when to treat at home and when to seek medical care.
AVEE Hospital is home to the best pediatrician in Vaishali Ghaziabad, offering comprehensive care for summer illnesses and other pediatric health concerns. From routine check-ups to emergency care, the hospital’s pediatric department provides expert, compassionate healthcare for children of all ages.
For consultations, vaccinations, treatment of summer illnesses, or specialized newborn care, contact AVEE Hospital’s pediatric department. With comprehensive services, experienced healthcare professionals, and a child-friendly environment, AVEE Hospital stands as a trusted healthcare partner for families in Vaishali and throughout Ghaziabad. The hospital also offers advanced NICU services in Vaishali Ghaziabad, ensuring critical care support for newborns in need.
