Watch Out for These Illnesses in the Summer Season

During the summer season spent in the shadow of the pandemic, attention must be paid to many matters – from nutrition to vacation plans – more than ever before. Prof. Dr. Tevfik Rıfkı Evrenkaya, Internal Medicine Specialist at Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital, states: "Summer is a period when vacation plans are made, social distance decreases and attention is more scattered. With increasing community vaccination rates, we feel somewhat more at ease regarding Covid-19 measures and move more freely. However, the Covid-19 outbreak remains a risk and actually does not allow this ease, nor does it permit the shortening of social distances! While the risk of Covid-19 transmission continues on one hand, summer-specific infectious diseases make life difficult and restrictive on the other. Certain rules must absolutely be observed to protect against summer infections." Prof. Dr. Tevfik Rıfkı Evrenkaya explained the ways to protect against the most commonly seen bacterial, viral, parasitic and fungal infections in summer, and offered important warnings and recommendations.

Dysentery

It is transmitted through feces, unwashed hands and food. High fever, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, loss of appetite and malaise are present. To protect against it, attention must be paid to hand and toilet hygiene, and fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly with vinegared water. Treatment must include antimicrobial drugs prescribed by a physician. Sometimes hospital treatment may be necessary.  

Food poisoning

Most often caused by toxins from bacteria called staphylococci. Rarely E. coli and salmonella may also be the cause. Staphylococcal toxins are found most commonly in raw/cooked meat, cream, ice cream and food left uncovered. Vomiting, diarrhea and malaise begin 6-8 hours after consuming contaminated food. Although this process is bothersome, it typically resolves spontaneously within approximately 12 hours. Antibiotic treatment is not necessary. Lost fluids and electrolytes are replenished orally or intravenously.  

Rotavirus

Rotavirus is a virus that causes intestinal inflammation particularly in children under 5 years of age. The disease manifests with severe fever, diarrhea and vomiting, is transmitted through feces, and occurs in every season. It can cause death through severe fluid loss. There is no specific medication; a vaccine has been developed for protection.  

Traveler's diarrhea

It occurs in people who travel for reasons such as tourism, vacation or business trips. The disease is caused by microbes called E. coli or giardia. It is generally seen more frequently in travels to less developed regions. Antimicrobial drugs are used in treatment. The underlying cause is lack of hand and toilet hygiene.

Salmonella infections

The most typical examples are typhoid and paratyphoid. High fever, malaise, diarrhea, joint pain and abdominal pain are commonly seen. It is transmitted through feces. The agents of transmission are hands and food. Treatment generally requires hospitalization and antibiotic support.  

Hand-foot-mouth disease

A disease most frequently seen in children, transmitted through close contact, and most commonly caused by coxsackie and enteroviruses. As its name suggests, it is characterized by very painful sores in the mouth and painful swelling in the palms and soles of the feet. There is no specific treatment. Pain relievers are used in treatment.   Conjunctivitis It is inflammation of the conjunctiva lining the white of the eye. It is very painful. It is generally caused by echoviruses and enteroviruses. It is transmitted through swimming pools, shared towels and dirty hands. Since bacterial infection is usually superimposed on it, treatment is carried out with antibiotic eye drops.  

Chickenpox

The causative agent is varicella zoster virus; it is a highly contagious disease. It is transmitted through contact or airborne route. There is no specific treatment. Effective vaccination has been conducted since 1995.  

Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)

It is a viral disease; it is a fatal viral disease mediated by ticks living particularly in Tokat-Kastamonu provinces. There is no specific treatment. The tick that has bitten should not be removed carelessly and a health facility must definitely be visited.  

Lyme disease

It has a very broad group of symptoms and affects every system. It is transmitted by a microorganism called Borrelia. Successful results are obtained with antibiotic treatment.  

External ear canal diseases

They are known as "external otitis" or "swimmer's ear." They are very frequently seen in summer. They are bacterial or fungal infections. They are very painful and cause hearing loss. They result from swimming, diving, or introducing foreign objects into the ear. They are treated with pain relievers and antimicrobial ear drops. Ear plugs should be used while swimming and cotton swabs should not be inserted into the external ear canal.  

Urinary tract infections

In summer, they are very frequently seen, especially in women. The short length of women's urinary tracts leaves them unprotected against these infections. They are frequently encountered following pool/sauna use and sexual intercourse. Lower urinary tract infections are limited to the bladder and are called "cystitis." Upper urinary tract infections result in kidney inflammation (pyelonephritis). Cystitis is easier to treat and resolves in a shorter period. Prof. Dr. Tevfik Rıfkı Evrenkaya states: "Paying attention to personal hygiene and using pools and toilets that are known to be clean reduces the likelihood of infection. Women should be emphasized to clean from front to back, thus preventing self-contamination. Whether infections occur in any season, prevention depends on personal and environmental hygiene. It is possible to significantly reduce these infections by washing hands with plenty of soap."