A Guide to Common Illnesses and Injuries. Packing Tips Included!
Summer! It's a time for carefree fun, splashing in pools, and enjoying the sunshine. But with longer days spent outdoors, there's also a chance of kids picking up summertime illnesses and injuries. Let's explore some of the most common issues parents face during the warmer months, along with tips to keep your little ones healthy and happy.
Keeping Tummies Happy: Gastrointestinal Illnesses
Diarrhea, food poisoning, and stomach bugs are all too common during summer. Be mindful of food safety practices when preparing meals outdoors, and keep an eye on kids around pools to avoid accidental ingestion. Food poisoning symptoms like fever, vomiting, and diarrhea can be dehydrating, so prompt medical attention might be necessary.
Packing Tip: Pack plenty of non-perishable snacks like crackers and pretzels, along with oral rehydration solution to combat dehydration caused by diarrhea or vomiting.
Beat the Bug: Respiratory Illnesses
Influenza and enterovirus, also known as summer flu, can strike even during warm weather. Look out for symptoms like fever, coughing, runny nose, and nausea. If your child experiences difficulty breathing or worsening symptoms, seeking medical attention is crucial.
Packing Tip: Pack a cool mist humidifier to help ease congestion, and a travel-sized saline nasal spray. Don't forget pain relievers appropriate for your child's age in case of a fever or headache.
Bug Bites and the Risks They Carry
Mosquito and tick bites are a summertime nuisance, but they can also transmit serious illnesses. Mosquitoes can carry West Nile virus and encephalitis, while ticks transmit Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Teach your kids about insect repellents and proper tick removal techniques. If you notice signs of illness after a bite, a visit to Healthcare Express can provide diagnosis and treatment options.
Packing Tip: Pack insect repellent with DEET (at least 10% for children over 2 months old) and a pair of tweezers for safe tick removal. Calamine lotion can help soothe itching from bites.
Beyond Bugs: Other Summer Concerns
Sunburn, dehydration, and heatstroke are all dangers associated with extended sun exposure. Ensure your kids stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and take breaks in the shade. Additionally, asthma flare-ups can be triggered by allergens present during warmer months. If your child experiences severe sunburn, persistent vomiting due to dehydration, heatstroke symptoms like confusion or seizures, or worsening asthma symptoms, a trip to Healthcare Express Urgent Care can provide prompt evaluation and treatment.
Sun Safety: Beat the Burn
Sunburn is a common summertime ouch, but preventable with sun safety! Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) and reapply often. Dress kids in sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Seek shade during peak sun hours and bring an umbrella for portable protection. For mild sunburn, soothe with cool baths, aloe vera, and hydration. If your child experiences severe pain, blistering, fever, or dehydration symptoms, visit an Urgent Care like Healthcare Express.
Packing Tip: Pack sunscreen, aloe vera gel, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for sun safety on the go!
Beat the Heat: Avoiding Dehydration
Summer fun can be so engaging, it's easy to forget the importance of staying hydrated. Dehydration can creep up quickly on kids during hot, active days. The key? Encouraging frequent sips throughout the day, especially during outings. Pack plenty of water bottles and consider offering fun, reusable water bottles to keep them motivated to drink.
Packing Tip: Pack reusable water bottles and colorful ice pops made from diluted fruit juice (for a fun, hydrating treat)!
Poison Ivy: Know Before You Go!
Poison ivy rashes can put a damper on summer adventures. This itchy rash is caused by an oil on the plant, so learning to identify poison ivy (leaves of three, let it be!) is key. If you suspect exposure, wash the affected area immediately with soap and cool water for at least 10 minutes. Calamine lotion can help soothe itching, but for persistent rashes, visit Healthcare Express Urgent Care for diagnosis and treatment.
Packing Tip: Pack unscented baby wipes for quick cleansing in case of accidental contact with poison ivy.
Here for You: Healthcare Express Urgent Care
At Healthcare Express, we understand that summertime fun can sometimes lead to unexpected health concerns. We're happy to serve the community, we accept most major insurances including Medicaid and provide prompt medical care for common summer illnesses and injuries. Our urgent care centers offer flexible hours and wait times, making it easier to get your child the care they need quickly.
Remember: Early intervention is key! If your child experiences concerning symptoms or discomfort, don't hesitate to visit Healthcare Express Urgent Care. We're here to help keep your kids healthy and ensure a happy, healthy summer for the whole family!
