While most people think of the winter months as the time to be wary of illnesses, the summer months have their share of health concerns. Some are so bad that you will need to leave the warm weather to get treatment at an urgent care center. Fortunately, we are here to inform you about some common summer health concerns and how to make the necessary preparations to avoid them.
Common health concerns during the summer months
Insect stings and bites
Many types of arachnids and insects start showing up once the weather becomes warm. Most of them can bite or sting, and others can infect people with diseases. Ticks are one of the many insects that emerge during the summer months after laying low during the winter. Ticks can transmit some rather serious illnesses like Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. The most common symptoms of an infection caused by ticks include rashes, body aches or a fever. It is best to seek help from an urgent care clinic if you notice any of these symptoms after a bite.
Mosquitos also spread their share of diseases during the summer months, and they can be quite persistent when it comes to biting people. They can spread diseases like the West Nile Virus and Dengue fever. Both are serious health conditions. You can prevent mosquito bites by wearing clothes that cover most of the body and using a bug repellant. Those who live in areas where mosquitos breed should limit time outdoors at night since this is when they are most active.
Many other arachnids and insects become active during the summer like wasps, bees, bed bugs, ants and hornets. These are not likely to spread illness, but getting stung by them can ruin a person's day. If you are allergic to any of these insects, it could lead to a life-threatening health concern.
Heat exhaustion
Since it is summer, things can get pretty hot. It is not abnormal for the temperature in many parts of the United States to exceed 90 degrees, which can make it dangerous to spend extended time outdoors.
Heat exhaustion is a possibility when dealing with these high temperatures. The symptoms of this condition include:
- Fatigue
- Increased heart rate
- A weak pulse
- Nausea
- Muscle cramps
- Lightheadedness
High temperatures combined with heat exhaustion and dehydration can lead to a heat stroke. Heat exhaustion can be treated by getting to a cooler environment. After that, any tight clothing should be removed, and you should rest. Simple dehydration can be treated by drinking water, but moderate dehydration may require intravenous fluids.
Heat stroke requires immediate medical attention from an urgent care center or hospital. The symptoms include:
- Body temperature over 104 degrees
- Slurred speech
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Increased breathing rate
- Irritability
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can be prevented by drinking plenty of fluids on hot days and limiting the time spent in these environments. Be sure to wear light and loose clothing to allow for increased airflow.
Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center is here to help
Do not let any of these health concerns ruin your summer this year. Get the urgent care you need as soon as you notice the symptoms mentioned above. If you have questions about our services, please call our office.
Call us today at (832) 246-7266 for more information from Texas Urgent Care & Imaging Center.
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