The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) is raising awareness on protecting one’s health during the summer as the hot season is on in the country.
According to Dr Khaled Shams, head of PHCC’s Al Sheehaniya Health Centre, many people wait for the summer to rest and recuperate, especially after their studies and work. However, many diseases associated with high temperatures and humidity come with it, which can affect their health, whether adults or children, and especially patients with allergies.
Due to the habits that many people acquire during summer, such as sitting or sleeping under air-conditioners, using electric fans, having a sudden change from hot to cold weather and consuming cold drinks, can result in respiratory infections, including cold, flu, sore throat, tonsillitis, asthma and respiratory infections, especially in children, Dr Shams explains.
Dr Shams also pointed to the variations of temperature in swimming pools, which can result in the spread of nose and ear allergies, and sinus infections due to exposure to some chemicals used to disinfect pools.
He also noted that staying in swimming pools frequently is one of the major causes of outer ear fungal infections, and the symptoms include feeling pain, ear fullness and others.
To prevent summer diseases, Dr Shams advised to avoid exposing oneself to a sudden change in the temperature, avoid direct exposure to cold air currents, drink water and fluids to stay hydrated and compensate for the fluids lost due to high temperatures. He also asked people to avoid exposure to direct sunlight and dust as well as to wear a head cover for swimming or put earplugs to keep water out of the ear.
Dr Khaled Shams
