Many common illnesses in the summer are not dangerous if treated properly, and preventive medicine and public health consultant Dr. Sherif Ahmed Hetta confirms that the most important illnesses linked to high temperatures are microbes in the digestive system, the upper respiratory system or the skin.
Sky News Arabia’s preventative medicine consultant shows the main summer-related illnesses and treatment methods:
First: microbes that affect the digestive system are active in summer and cause vomiting and diarrhea, some of which are associated with the consumption of contaminated food, such as food poorly stored in the refrigerator or sold on the street. Some of these microbes are not associated with food. Digestive system microbes are treated with an antiseptic, antibiotics and antipyretic in case of high body temperature, as well as fluids if symptoms are accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea. Second: There is no objection to the onset of the flu in the summer, especially for those with sinus allergies or chest tenderness, especially with the use of air conditioning or fans in the summer and the transition from cold to warm temperatures and vice versa. , leading to sinusitis and upper respiratory tract infections. Symptoms such as coughing and sneezing appear. runny nose, sore throat and other symptoms associated with the upper respiratory tract. Third: skin diseases such as eczema and skin sensitivity, which occur due to lack of attention to hygiene, exposure to sweat or contact with hot objects that cause inflammation of the skin, and appear due to symptoms such as pimples and blisters on the skin. and various other diseases, and they can be treated with certain types of anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory paints and creams under medical supervision. Fourth: Heat stress, which often affects those who work in professions exposed to the sun for long periods of time, such as traffic cops and construction workers, especially since Egypt is building many axes, bridges and the administrative capital, in which many workers work. Heat stress is characterized by high temperatures around 39 degrees, with loss of body fluids, impaired consciousness, as well as fainting, vomiting, colic and other symptoms. Heat stress can lead to greater health problems if not treated quickly by moving the injured person out of the sun, placing them in front of a fan, spraying them with warm, not cold water, and giving them as much antipyretics and fluids as possible if he is not suffering from vomiting Vomiting and obtaining fluids by solutions. In the event that the heat stress persists and the person remains standing in the sun for a longer period of time, the so-called “sunstroke” may occur, which is much more dangerous than heat stress, since it affects directly the center of consciousness in the brain, so the person loses consciousness quickly, and if not treated, it can quickly lead to death, because the body temperature rises to a very high level and the person must be given liquids through solutions.
As for the most important ways to prevent common summer illnesses and symptoms, he explains:
Wash vegetables and fruits well by soaking them in water and vinegar for a sufficient time, especially for foods that have no skin, such as peaches and apricots, which are more susceptible to contamination and pesticide spraying, and at other times watermelon causes gastroenteritis, and in general, summer fruits are more susceptible to contamination than winter fruits. Clean surfaces all the time, wash your hands before eating, and use gloves when touching dirty surfaces. Stay away from direct sunlight, wear lightweight, see-through cotton clothing, and rely on an umbrella to shield you from the sun’s heat while walking. Good ventilation is very important, because places with central air conditioning are among the most harmful places for health, and there must be windows that can be opened from time to time to ventilate the place and change the air. Do not constantly switch between hot and cold weather, especially those who use air conditioning in cars, so they should gradually reduce the cooling degree of the air conditioner before leaving the car in hot weather and when driving in a car in a sweaty state, its doors should be open and well ventilated until the body calms down, then turn on the air conditioning after that To protect against sinus and upper respiratory tract infections. Prevention of summer skin diseases by permanent hygiene, the use of water and soap, and the use of regular moisturizing creams to protect the skin continuously.
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