Summer is here. Despite its positive aspects, hot weather also brings some risks to our health. 
Dehydration, sunstroke and burns, nose bleeding, skin diseases such as rash and fungus, digestive system diseases caused by unclean water and food consumption, summer diarrhea, outdoor activities and bee, insect, snake, scorpion stings, tick sticking, eye, ear and skin infections caused by swimming in the pool, sea urchin sting or jellyfish crash are among the common problems seen in the summer months.

Necessary Precautions Should Be Taken for Summer Infections

Yeditepe University Hospitals Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Meral Sönmezoğlu says, "These problems are severe, which can result in death, as the elderly, young children and those whose immune system is weakened due to different diseases are more susceptible to summer diseases. It is very important to be informed about summer diseases and to take the necessary precautions.” 
In summer, food poisoning and diarrheal intestinal infections increase with the consumption of foods that have been left in hot weather. Young children and people over the age of 65 are more susceptible to food poisoning. People with weakened immune systems can also experience severe food poisoning. 

Bacteria Begin to Reproduce in Summer

Keeping food at room temperature in the summer is seen as the most important reason for bacteria to grow on them. In foods that wait for more than 20 minutes at room temperature, bacteria begin to multiply. Dairy products (ice cream, desserts) meat, fish and chicken products are said to be the fastest bacteria-producing foods, and they should definitely not be kept outside the refrigerator for more than an hour. Diarrheal diseases such as food poisoning and typhoid-dysentery-tourist diarrhea are developing with products kept in the open. Food reaches ambient temperature 20 minutes after it is removed from the refrigerator. With the growth of bacteria in the food, intestinal inflammation and food poisoning occur due to both bacteria and toxins, and diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting develop. While these symptoms are short-lived in some people, they can be seen for a long time in the elderly and infants.

Dehydration Causes Unconsciousness

In hot weather, everyone needs more water. Inadequate intake of water and electrolytes lost by heat stroke and sweating leads to kidney failure due to the deterioration of dehydrated organs. Tongue dries, skin wrinkles, blurring of consciousness develops. People need to drink water right away. If the person is not able to drink water, it is recommended to take them to the hospital and give them intravenous fluids. Water loss is dangerous, especially for children under the age of 5, elderly people over the age of 65 and patients with impaired immune systems. Renal dysfunction due to nausea, vomiting and dehydration that cannot drink
 water is considered as the most striking symptom. He is developing renal failure too severe to urinate. It is necessary to hospitalize these patients and give them treatment that will correct the water-electrolyte balance intravenously.

Bee Stings Can Cause a Severe Allergic Reaction

Being outdoors and in green areas in the summer can lead to problems such as stinging or biting ticks, bees, wasps, mosquitoes, horse flies, flies, fleas, and spiders. A bee sting can cause a severe allergic reaction. It is important to pay attention to the following:

• Open shoes and bare feet should not be walked on the grass
• Clothes that fully cover the arms and legs should be worn at the picnic
• Food and drinks should not be left open
• Perfume, fragrant cream, spray should not be used when going to open areas
• Light-colored clothes should be worn. Do not wear vibrant colors that attract insects
• Keep windows of homes and cars closed
• Keep insect nests (beehives) away from trash cans

Practical Solution to Nose Bleeding

Staying warm, high blood pressure and traumas can cause nosebleeds. In these cases, the head should be relaxed, and a nose tampon should be applied, and if the problem lasts for a long time, the patient should be admitted to the hospital.

Those Who Sweat A Lot, Beware!

Nylon-mixed clothes that do not breathe with frequent and excessive sweating can pave the way for fungal infections on the skin. Wearing cotton and comfortable clothes in hot weather and taking frequent showers prevent germs from settling on the skin.

What to Do in Case of Insect Bites?

• The bitten area should be washed with water and it should be ensured that there is no residue on the skin
• If an allergic reaction develops (swelling, redness and itching begin), ice should be applied
• If the bitten arm or leg, it should be kept at height and swelling should be prevented
• If the swelling and pain develop and continue, it should be applied to a health institution as soon as possible
• People with weak immune system (those aged over 65, those with chronic diseases, those receiving chemotherapy or cortisone treatment, etc. ) and those whose wounds do not pass in 24 hours should definitely apply to the health institution.