Common Diseases Seen During the Summer Months

Common Illnesses During Summer Months Uz. Dr. Yeliz Zıhlı Kızak from the Internal Medicine Department of Memorial Şişli Hospital provided information about common illnesses seen during summer months.

Poor hygiene in food preparation can lead to acute gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis ranks among the most frequently encountered infections during summer months. AGE is an infection of the stomach and intestinal system caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites that leads to diarrhea. It can occur as a result of swallowing pool or seawater, contaminated water, food washed with contaminated water, or consumption of food prepared or stored under unhygienic conditions. On hot days, microbes in food easily find opportunities to multiply. To protect yourself: clean water sources should be used, fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed with clean water, food sold in the open should be avoided, frequent hand washing and personal hygiene rules should be observed.

Legionnaires' disease can spread through ventilation systems

Legionnaires' disease is a rare but serious lung infection disease caused by the bacterium Legionella pneumophila, frequently encountered during summer months. It spreads through inhalation of water droplets released from air conditioning systems, jacuzzi pools, ventilation systems, shower heads and humidifiers. Symptoms of Legionnaires' disease include cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, high fever and flu-like symptoms. Legionnaires' disease outbreaks can be prevented by regular cleaning and disinfection of water distribution systems, pools and hot springs, and air conditioning filters, which are environments effective in disease transmission.

Heat rash is common during hot weather

Heat rash is a rash consisting of small-sized, red or pink-colored, fluid-filled blisters that commonly appear on the skin during hot summer months. Although it appears in all age groups, the reason it is more frequently seen in babies and children is that skin pores are smaller compared to adults and sweat glands are not yet fully developed. In adults, it is most often caused by excessive sweating, insufficient bathing and non-compliance with hygiene rules. Heat rash normally heals in a short time with measures such as remaining in a cool environment and allowing the skin to breathe, but more severe forms may require medical care.

Insect bites and stings can lead to serious health problems

Symptoms of insect bites vary depending on the type of insect that bit. Most often, insect stings that appear suddenly with symptoms such as localized itching, redness and swelling on the skin are much more frequent during spring and summer months. Bites from some insects can cause serious illnesses. Insect bites can lead to the spread of diseases such as yellow fever, encephalitis, malaria and typhus in the community. Especially insect species living in tropical regions can carry serious diseases. Bee and wasp stings can cause allergic reactions and sometimes lead to life-threatening anaphylaxis. Since insect bites can lead to serious health problems in some cases, medical advice should be sought.