Common Summertime Infections



Common Summertime Infections

School’s out and our kids finally have more time to spend outside instead of being buried underneath textbooks. Incoming, summertime infections!

Infections that are most prevalent during the summer are extremely common, which is shocking to many parents who expect infections to happen more during the winter.

When we think of summer, we think of freedom, relaxation, and vacations. We rarely think of illnesses. At Advanced Women’s Health Center, we aren’t trying to ruin your image of summer. We simply want to inform you about the specific infections that are common during this time so you can protect your loved ones.

Mosquito-Borne and Tick-Borne Illnesses

  • Mosquito-borne infections are commonly caused by arboviruses and can lead to West Nile encephalitis or dengue fever.
  • Tick-borne illnesses include Lyme disease or ehrlichiosis. Mosquito and tick-borne infections can be avoided by preventing your child from getting bitten by ticks or mosquitoes.
  • In high-risk areas, instruct your child to wear long sleeve shirts with long pants and high socks to prevent ticks from biting exposed skin.
  • You can also tuck your child’s pant legs into their socks.
  • Try using a tick repellent. An insect repellent with DEET or citronella can help prevent nasty mosquito bites.

If you live in a high-risk area, check your child’s body for ticks each day after they play outside, especially if you have recently been hiking, camping, or playing in tick-infested areas like grassy or wooded areas.

Food Poisoning

Another important cause of infections and illness in the summertime is food-born illnesses. Bacteria thrives in warm, moist environments. Therefore, food poisoning is common in the summer where more cookouts and outdoor food events occur.

  • Always wash your hand before you eat and wash your utensils to prevent contamination.
  • Cook your foods at their proper temperature
  • Never leave food out under the sun to let it spoil.
  • If you leave your food out accidentally, throw that food away.

Summer Viruses

Polio is the most famous illness caused by a summertime virus. Several years ago, parents would refuse to let their children go outside and play because of the fear of the poliovirus.

Kids with the infection suffered from sore throats and fever, and sometimes, meningitis or paralysis could develop. With the advent of immunizations, polio is now almost gone in most of the world!

Another virus commonly found during summer is the parainfluenza virus 3. This virus can cause bronchiolitis, pneumonia, or a bad cold.

Bottom Line

It’s important to stay safe this summer as much as it’s important to build lasting memories. We hope you take the advice we’ve listed above to heart.


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