Summer is the season children wait for eagerly. It is the time for them to have endless fun and roam around freely. However, the season also brings along a few threats that parents need to be careful about.

Kids are more susceptible to summer-related illnesses that can quickly become severe if not spotted early on.

Dehydration

Dehydration is a leading concern in children during summer. It occurs when the body is losing more water than it is taking in.

Children become dehydrated faster than adults, and thus it is easier for them to get dehydrated as their bodies have a lesser amount of water. The symptoms of dehydration in kids include dry skin, fatigue, headache, and muscle cramps. Extreme symptoms include sunken eyes, decreased urination, and rapid heartbeat.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke is another affliction that can cause severe problems in kids. It is a condition where the body overheats due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

Children are more vulnerable to heatstroke as they don’t sweat as efficiently as adults. The symptoms of heatstroke include headache, dizziness, nausea, and a sudden increase in body temperature. If not treated early on, heatstroke can lead to organ failure and even death in severe cases.

Sunburn

During summers, kids spend most of their time outside playing or swimming. It is essential to protect their skin from sunburn. Sunburn is a condition where the skin turns red, inflamed, and painful due to overexposure to the sun.

Sunburns not only cause pain but also increase the risk of skin cancer, especially in children. Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding the sun during peak hours can help prevent sunburns.

Insect Bites

Insect bites are common in summers, and they can cause a lot of harm if not treated appropriately. Insect bites can cause swelling, redness, and itching in children.

The most common insects that bite humans during summers include mosquitoes, ticks, and wasps. Some insect bites can also lead to severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening. Having repellents on hand can prevent insect bites.

Waterborne Diseases

Swimming is a fun summer activity for kids, but it can also cause waterborne diseases. Swimming pools, lakes, and oceans can harbor bacteria and viruses that can cause infections.

Swallowing contaminated water or coming in contact with it can lead to illnesses such as swimmer’s ear, digestive problems, and skin infections. Ensuring that the swimming areas are clean and properly chlorinated can help prevent waterborne diseases.

Food Poisoning

During summers, food poisoning cases increase as bacteria grow quickly in warm and humid conditions. Children are at high risk of getting food poisoning as their immune systems are not fully developed.

The symptoms of food poisoning include fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Ensuring that food is stored and cooked at the right temperatures and teaching kids about good hygiene practices can help prevent food poisoning.

Allergies

Summer brings with it many allergens that can trigger allergies in children. Pollen, dust, and mold spores are some of the most common allergens in summer. Allergies can cause symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes.

In extreme cases, allergies can cause anaphylactic shock, which is life-threatening. Keeping the house clean, using air filters, and limiting exposure to allergens can help prevent allergies.

Burns

Burns are another summer affliction that can cause harm to children. Burns can occur due to sun exposure, hot surfaces, and fireworks. Sunburns can cause damage to the skin and lead to skin cancer.

Burns caused by hot surfaces can cause pain, blisters, and in severe cases, infections. Fireworks can cause eye injuries, burns, and even death if handled improperly. Ensuring that children are supervised during outdoor activities and educating them about fire safety can help prevent burns.

Conclusion

Summer is a time for kids to enjoy, but it comes with a few concerns that parents need to watch out for.

Dehydration, heatstroke, sunburns, insect bites, waterborne diseases, food poisoning, allergies, and burns are some of the common afflictions that children can experience during summers. Knowing the symptoms and taking early action can help prevent these illnesses from becoming severe.