Everyone loves and enjoys summer days, especially our children who just love to go out and play since this is also their vacation break away from school. However, summer is also a time for some seasonal diseases, so we need to take care of ourselves and of our children. Hey, prevention is better than cure and we just can’t let these diseases destroy our summer fun, right? Well, below are the top 10 common diseases during summer and how to avoid them.

1.       Sunburn
   With lots of tropical sunshine during this season, sunburn is rampant. This is a radiation burn that affects the skin with too much exposure to the UV (ultraviolet) rays from the sun.
   Common symptoms include reddish skin that is hot to touch, painful, general fatigue, and mild dizziness.
   To avoid this, outdoor activities must be done early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid overexposure in the hottest part of the day, between about 10 am to 3 pm. And avoid staying outside for too long.  Drink 8-12 glasses of water a day.
   
   Most important:use sunscreen products before going outside.  A rating of 30 or above is best.  Refresh every few hours and especially after swimming.
2.  Flu and Cough
   Flu is an extremely contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza A or B viruses. And cough can be caused by any of several upper airway problems, especially infections or related to polluted air.  Asthma also has a variant that presents as a cough in children.Symptoms of flu include fever, headache and muscle soreness. These symptoms can be at least partly relieved bydrinking 8-12 glasses of water daily.  But avoid drinking too much cold water. It is advisable for those who are feeling sick to stay home and to always cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
3.       Sore eyes
   The unpleasant sensation in or around one or both eyes can be due to toxic air or sometimes “pink eye”: conjunctivitis viral infection.  . Your eyes may feel gritty, tender or tired. When eyes are itchy due to dirt or allergies, excessive rubbing can make the problem worse.

Eye drops may be helpful, but be sure to use artificial tears or the “red out” type only. Also, washing hands is advisable to avoid spreading the virus in the case of pink eye.

4.       Skin Diseases
   Skin disease is the breakdown of a cell layer in the epidermis and thickening of the prickle-cell layer.This caninclud dark, wart-like patches in the body folds, eczema, skin rashes, hives, warts, and vitiligo.
   Skin diseases abound when water becomes scarce and daily bathing compromised, water is unclean like in unmaintained swimming pools, or due to heat and congestion.
   This can be prevented with proper hygiene, taking a bath after plunging in the pool, bathing daily with clean water and less exposure to direct sun.
5.       Rabies
   Since it is summer and kids go to different places to bond with their friends, there is a possibility that they can encounter dogs and other animals along the way.
   If kids are bitten, it is important to check the status of the dog through the owner.  If unknown or from awild or farrell animal, rabies precautions should be given.  Although rarely a problem in the cities, more rural areas do have rabid dogs and other animals.  Because the chance of rabies (in the cities) is so rare, we do not recommend routine vaccination.  However, if bitten, the vaccinations should be given as soon as possible.
6.    Stomach Ailments
   Vomiting and diarrhea follow after consuming contaminated food or drinks. Street foods, especially, require caution. Also, those foods prepared for trips should be kept cold or eaten promptly. Always remember that during summer, food spoils faster because of the temperature.
   To avoid this, eat healthy, fresh and nutritious foods.
   We have to put this into our minds that a healthy lifestyle not only changes your body, it changes your mind, your attitude and your mood.  Be safe, everyone, in spending your summer vacation!

Source: aboutcagayandeoro.com