Summer is a season of adventure, relaxation, and exploration. However, it's also a time when certain health risks can spike, especially for travelers. From sunburns to stomach bugs, being aware of common illnesses and taking preventive measures can ensure your summer travels are enjoyable and worry-free.

Whether you're jet-setting to exotic locales or embarking on a road trip closer to home, it's essential to be aware of common illnesses and take proactive steps to prevent them. Let's delve into some of the most prevalent health concerns for travelers during the summer months and how to combat them.

Sunburn and Heat-related Illnesses

The scorching summer sun can be both a blessing and a curse for travelers. While it offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities, it also increases the risk of sunburn and heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

When you’re having so much fun outdoors, it’s hard to remember to take a water break or sit in the shade for a bit to cool down. Unfortunately, not drinking more fluids than you’re sweating out or being in the direct sun for too long can lead to dehydration or heat stroke.

The first signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, little or no urination, feeling lightheaded or dizzy, rapid breathing and heartbeat, and fever.

Since heatstroke is the most severe form of dehydration, it’s important to manage your dehydration once you notice the first signs.

Heatstroke is when your internal temperature rises to dangerously high levels, similar to having a very high fever. Symptoms of heatstroke are the absence of sweating despite the temperature outside and your level of activity, skin that is hot to the touch, hallucinations, fainting, or seizures.

Preventing both is simple: Drink plenty of water; take regular breaks, preferably in the shade; and plan your outdoor activities early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is not as high in the sky.

If you suspect someone is suffering from a severe form of dehydration or heatstroke, bring them indoors, have them lie down, and cool them off with ice packs and cool cloths as someone else calls 911.

Additionally, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. and affects more than 2 million people each year.

Patrick Keehan, D.O, a dermatologist and physician on the medical staff at Keehan Dermatology, a Texas Health Physicians Group practice, says sunscreen application should be a part of your daily routine, no matter what season it is.

Start with a high SPF sunscreen and aim for a shot-glass worth of sunscreen to properly cover your body. If applied correctly and reapplied every two to four hours, SPF 15 blocks 93 percent of UVB rays, SPF 30 stops about 97 percent of UVB rays and SPF 50 obstructs 98 percent of UVB rays.

Food and Waterborne Illness

Exploring new cuisines is one of the highlights of travel, but it also exposes us to unfamiliar foods and potential foodborne pathogens. In many destinations, particularly in developing countries, contaminated food and water can lead to illnesses such as traveler's diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid fever.

To reduce the risk of food poisoning, opt for freshly cooked foods served hot, avoid street vendors with questionable hygiene practices, and drink bottled water or purified water. Consider carrying a portable water filter or purifier for added safety.

If you do end up with a foodborne illness, the good news is that most of the time symptoms can be managed at home — or wherever you’re calling home during your adventures. This primarily focuses on rehydration and symptom relief, according to Amit Desai, M.D., a gastroenterologist and physician on the medical staff at Texas Health Plano and at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants.

While it may seem counterintuitive, Desai suggests avoiding anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) when it comes to treating and easing symptoms because they interfere with the body's natural defense mechanisms. Diarrhea, though uncomfortable, helps expel harmful substances from the digestive system. Suppressing diarrhea can prolong the illness by delaying the elimination of toxins. Additionally, slowing down the digestive tract with these medications can increase the absorption of toxins into the bloodstream, potentially worsening the infection.
Furthermore, diarrhea aids in maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance; suppressing it can disrupt these balances, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can already be thrown off if you’re also vomiting.

“The ideal and most critical support is oral rehydration,” Desai explains. “I use electrolyte-balanced solutions such as Pedialyte, or similar rehydration solutions. Soups or broths are also helpful for rehydration. If you also have nausea or vomiting, adding in ginger-based supplements can ease symptoms.”

Desai provides more insight into food poisoning, prevention and recovery here.

Insect-borne Diseases

Mosquitoes and other insects are not just annoying pests; they can also transmit serious diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever, Zika virus, and West Nile virus.

When traveling to areas where insect-borne diseases are prevalent, take precautions such as using insect repellent containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved clothing and pants, and sleeping under mosquito nets if necessary. Some countries even require vaccination for certain insect-borne diseases prior to your visit.

The CDC provides a helpful tool so that you can stay informed about local disease outbreaks and follow any recommendations or guidelines issued by health authorities.

Motion Sickness

Whether you're traveling by plane, train, car, or boat, motion sickness can put a damper on your summer adventures. Symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and vomiting can make even the most scenic journey miserable.

To combat motion sickness, choose a seat near the front of the vehicle or in the middle of the plane or boat where motion is felt less, focus on the horizon, avoid reading or using electronic devices, and consider taking over-the-counter motion sickness medications or using natural remedies like ginger.

Skin Infections and Rashes

Spending time outdoors increases the risk of skin infections and rashes, particularly in warm and humid climates. Conditions such as swimmer's itch, fungal infections, and poison ivy rashes are common during the summer months.

Swimmer's Itch: Swimmer's itch, also known as cercarial dermatitis, is a rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites that burrow into the skin while swimming in contaminated water. Lakes, ponds, and even some coastal areas can harbor these parasites. To prevent swimmer's itch, avoid swimming in areas where it's prevalent, especially during warm weather when parasites are most active. If you do swim, towel off immediately after leaving the water and shower with soap and water to remove any parasites on your skin.

Fungal Infections: Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, making them common during the summer months. Conditions like athlete's foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris) can develop from walking barefoot in public areas or wearing tight, sweaty clothing. Prevent fungal infections by wearing flip-flops or water shoes in public showers and changing rooms, and by keeping your skin clean and dry, especially in areas prone to sweating.

Poison Ivy Rashes: Encounters with poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac can lead to a painful rash characterized by redness, swelling, and itching. These plants contain urushiol, an oil that triggers an allergic reaction in most people. To avoid contact with these plants, learn to recognize them and steer clear of areas where they grow. Wear long sleeves, pants, and gloves when hiking or gardening, and wash your skin and clothing thoroughly if you suspect exposure to these plants.

To minimize the risk of skin problems when spending time outdoors, practice good hygiene and take proactive measures:

• Shower After Swimming: Rinse off with soap and water after swimming to remove any potential irritants or parasites from your skin.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Sharing towels, clothing, or personal care items can spread infections. Use your own items and encourage others to do the same.
• Wear Protective Clothing: When hiking, camping, or participating in outdoor activities, wear lightweight, breathable clothing that covers your skin to reduce exposure to irritants and allergens.
• Apply Barrier Creams: Consider using barrier creams or lotions, especially if you'll be in environments where contact with irritants or allergens is likely.
• Seek Medical Attention: If you develop a skin rash, irritation, or infection, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. Prompt treatment can prevent the condition from worsening and alleviate discomfort.

Additional Tips

Summer travel offers endless opportunities for exploration and adventure, but it's essential to prioritize your health and well-being along the way. By staying informed about common illnesses and taking proactive steps to prevent them, you can enjoy a safe and memorable trip.

Before embarking on your journey, familiarize yourself with emergency contact numbers at your destination. In many countries, the emergency services number is equivalent to 911 in the United States. Additionally, research local hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies close to your accommodation in case you need medical assistance.

Always carry essential medical documents with you, such as identification, and a list of any medical conditions, allergies, or medications you take. If you’re staying in the U.S. or a U.S. territory, carry your health insurance or make sure you have digital access to it. If traveling to a foreign country, consider purchasing travel insurance that includes coverage for medical emergencies. Travel insurance can provide financial protection for unexpected medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, and trip interruption due to illness or injury. Having this information readily available can expedite the medical treatment process in case of an emergency.

Bring a compact first aid kit with essential supplies such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, adhesive tape, and any prescription medications you may need. Having these items on hand can help you address minor injuries or ailments while traveling. Need a first aid kit? Texas Health has you covered. Simply fill out the form and enter gift code AA43567.

With a little planning and precaution, you can make the most of your summer travels while staying healthy and happy. Safe travels!