10 Common Summer Illnesses in Children: Signs To Look Out For

Children love playing outdoors, and the summer’s sunny and longer days make it the perfect time for fun and adventure. Activities like swimming, park visits, and outdoor games are especially popular during this season. That said, increased exposure to heat, water, and the environment makes them more prone to summer illnesses, which can become a concern if not addressed early. To help you stay prepared, in this blog, we’ll cover 10 common summer illnesses in children, along with tips on how to recognise, manage, and prevent them.

Heat-Related Illnesses

High temperatures and prolonged sun exposure can lead to heat-related illnesses in children. These conditions occur when the body struggles to regulate its temperature, increasing the risk of dehydration and overheating.

Common heat-related illnesses include:

• Heat exhaustion: Causes excessive sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. Without proper cooling and hydration, it can progress to heatstroke.
• Heatstroke: A medical emergency that occurs when the body temperature rises dangerously high. Symptoms include confusion, rapid breathing, flushed skin, and loss of consciousness. Immediate cooling and medical attention are required.
• Heat rash: Develops when sweat gets trapped under the skin, leading to red, itchy rashes, especially in skin folds. Keeping the skin cool and dry can help prevent discomfort

Encouraging children to drink plenty of fluids, wear light clothing, and take breaks in shaded areas can help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

Food Poisoning

Hot and humid weather creates the perfect conditions for bacteria and other harmful microorganisms to grow in food. Consuming contaminated or improperly stored food can lead to food poisoning, which causes digestive issues and discomfort in children.

Common symptoms include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach pain and cramps
• Diarrhoea, sometimes with fever
• Weakness and dehydration

Food poisoning can occur due to eating spoiled dairy products, undercooked meat, contaminated water, or food left out for too long. Keeping food properly refrigerated, ensuring thorough cooking, and maintaining good hygiene can help prevent infections. If symptoms persist or dehydration becomes severe, medical attention may be necessary.

Dehydration

Hot weather and outdoor activities increase sweating, leading to fluid and mineral loss. If not replenished, dehydration can cause dry mouth, dizziness, dark yellow urine, and fatigue. Children may also become irritable or cry without tears. Encouraging regular water intake, offering oral rehydration solutions (ORS), and avoiding sugary or caffeinated drinks help prevent dehydration. Severe cases with persistent symptoms require medical attention.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)

HFMD is a common viral infection in children, especially during summer. It spreads through direct contact with infected saliva, fluid from blisters, or contaminated surfaces. The illness causes fever, sore throat, and painful red spots or blisters on the hands, feet, and inside the mouth. Some children may also experience loss of appetite and general discomfort.

There is no specific treatment, but plenty of fluids, soft foods, and pain relief medication can help ease symptoms. Maintaining good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing and disinfecting shared items, reduces the risk of infection.

Skin Infections

Hot and humid weather increases the risk of skin infections in children, especially when sweat, dirt, and bacteria accumulate on the skin. Scratching insect bites and poor hygiene can further contribute to infections. Common summer skin infections include:

• Impetigo: A bacterial infection that causes red sores or blisters, which burst and form honey-coloured crusts, usually around the mouth and nose.
• Fungal Infections: Itchy, scaly patches that often develop in warm, moist areas like the groin, armpits, or between the toes.

Keeping the skin clean and dry, wearing breathable cotton clothing, and avoiding scratching help prevent infections. Antifungal or antibacterial creams may be needed for treatment. If the infection spreads, worsens, or is accompanied by fever, medical attention is necessary.

Swimmer’s Ear

Swimmer’s ear, also known as otitis externa, is a common summer illness caused by water remaining in the ear canal after swimming. This creates a moist environment where bacteria or fungi can grow, leading to an infection. Children who spend a lot of time in pools, lakes, or the sea are particularly at risk.

Parents should watch for symptoms such as ear pain, especially when touching or pulling the earlobe, itching or redness inside the ear, fluid drainage, or even temporary hearing loss. If a child complains of ear discomfort after swimming, it’s important to act quickly.

To manage swimmer’s ear, avoid further exposure to water and consult a doctor, who may prescribe antibiotic or antifungal ear drops. Over-the-counter pain relief medication can help ease discomfort. To prevent future occurrences, ensure children dry their ears thoroughly after swimming and consider using ear plugs if they are prone to infections.

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquito-borne illnesses, such as dengue, malaria, or chikungunya, are a significant concern during summer, especially in areas with stagnant water or high mosquito activity. These diseases are transmitted through mosquito bites and can cause serious health issues if not identified and treated promptly.

Parents should be alert for symptoms such as high fever, severe headaches, body aches, rashes, or fatigue. In some cases, children may also experience nausea, vomiting, or joint pain. Symptoms can appear a few days to a couple of weeks after a mosquito bite, making it important to monitor children closely if they have been in areas with high mosquito activity.

If a child shows signs of a mosquito-borne illness, seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for managing these conditions effectively. To reduce the risk, use insect repellent, dress children in long-sleeved clothing, and ensure windows and doors have screens to keep mosquitoes out. Eliminating stagnant water around the home, where mosquitoes breed, is also an effective preventive measure.

Eye Infections

Summer heat, dust, and increased exposure to swimming pools make children more prone to eye infections like conjunctivitis and styes. Bacterial and viral infections spread easily through contaminated hands, shared towels, or chlorinated water.

Symptoms depend on the type of infection but often include redness, itching, watery or sticky discharge, swelling, and sensitivity to light. In conjunctivitis, eyes may appear pink with excessive tearing, while styes cause painful, red lumps on the eyelid.

Maintaining proper hygiene, avoiding touching the eyes, and using clean towels help prevent infections. If symptoms persist, worsen, or affect vision, an eye specialist may recommend medicated eye drops or other treatment.

Urinary Tract Infection

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are more common in children during summer, often due to dehydration, holding in urine for long periods, or improper hygiene after swimming or using public restrooms. UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary tract, leading to discomfort and potential complications if left untreated.

Parents should watch for symptoms such as a frequent urge to urinate, pain or burning during urination, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, or lower abdominal pain. In younger children, signs may be less obvious and can include irritability, fever, or unexplained fussiness.

To reduce the risk of UTIs, ensure children stay hydrated, avoid holding in urine for long periods, and practice good hygiene, such as wiping from front to back after using the toilet. Changing out of wet swimsuits promptly after swimming can also help prevent bacterial growth.

Respiratory Infections

Respiratory infections, such as colds, flu, or even more severe conditions like bronchitis, can occur during summer, often due to sudden changes in temperature, prolonged exposure to air conditioning, or close contact with others in crowded places. These infections can affect the nose, throat, or lungs, causing discomfort and disrupting summer activities.

Symptoms include cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, fever, and breathing difficulties in some cases. Children with asthma may experience worsened symptoms due to heat and humidity.

Preventive measures include staying hydrated, avoiding sudden temperature shifts, and maintaining good hand hygiene to reduce infection risks. If symptoms persist, worsen, or cause breathing issues, medical attention is needed.

Consult Today

Summer should be a time of joy and exploration for children, not one of discomfort caused by seasonal illnesses. The paediatric specialists at Max Hospital provide comprehensive care for a wide range of summer-related illnesses, ensuring timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment. If a child shows signs of dehydration, infections, or any concerning symptoms, seeking medical advice can help prevent complications. Schedule a consultation with a paediatrician at Max Hospital for guidance on managing and preventing summer illnesses effectively.