Common Illnesses in Children During Summer Months

Common Illnesses in Children During Summer Months Specialist Dr. Seda Günhar from the Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Şişli Hospital provided information about common illnesses in children during the summer months.

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is resistant to chlorination

Infections caused by enteroviruses are more prevalent during the summer months. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease, an enterovirus infection, can be transmitted through sneezing and coughing from an infected person, through secretions, through close contact with skin affected by lesions, and through ingestion of contaminated pool water. Children may develop blisters in their mouths, hands and feet in this condition, or may have lesions known as herpangina only in the mouth. This virus is resistant to chlorine. Ingestion of pool water poses a risk for this disease despite chlorination of the pool. There is no treatment to resolve the disease or vaccine to prevent it. Antipruritic lotions and throat sprays for sore throat can be used. Additionally, a specialist physician may recommend antipyretics and pain relievers for sore throat.

Heat and humidity increase risk of urinary tract infection

Urinary tract infections are among the most common infections in children, particularly in girls. As heat and humidity increase, the risk of urinary tract infection (UTI) also increases. Sunbathing in wet swimsuits and wet bikinis is among the causes of urinary tract infections. Urinary tract infection can cause burning and pain during urination, frequent urination, incomplete emptying sensation, blood in urine, cloudy urine, heavy or foul-smelling urine, groin and/or back pain, and fever. Even one of these symptoms can indicate a urinary tract infection. [caption id="attachment_155114" align="aligncenter"] Specialist Dr. Seda Günhar from the Department of Pediatrics at Memorial Şişli Hospital[/caption]

Children are far more susceptible to ear infections than adults

Four out of five children experience at least one ear infection before reaching three years of age. Many activities undertaken during the summer season can damage hearing health. Swimming and diving in saltwater or freshwater, air travel, exposure to loud noise and music, or watching fireworks are only some examples. This season of the year can be the most risky period for ears. Therefore, particular care should be taken to prevent ear infections, especially in the youngest members of families who are more prone to such health problems.

Hot weather can cause food to spoil quickly

Another important cause of infections and illnesses during summer months is food poisoning or foodborne illness. Since bacteria multiply in hot and humid environments, food poisoning is relatively common during the summer months when cooking and picnicking increase. Food poisoning can be prevented by frequently washing vegetables, fruits, hands and cooking surfaces, preventing cross-contamination of food and containers, and cooking food at appropriate temperatures.

Children playing in gardens and parks should be thoroughly checked

Ticks and mosquitoes can cause infectious diseases such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, Lyme disease, West Nile fever, and malaria. If a tick bite is detected on a child, the tick should be removed immediately. Heat should not be applied to the area where the tick is located, nor should the tick be burned. The important point here is that tick removal should be performed by health personnel, so when a tick is detected on the child's body, a health center should be visited as soon as possible. When removing a tick, it should not be crushed, burst, or have chemical substances such as alcohol or cologne applied to it. In case of insect bites, cleaning the bite area with water and soap is very important. Cold application performed in a controlled manner with a clean cloth will help reduce redness and itching that may develop at the bite site.