Summer Sickness Prevention Tips to Keep Your Family Safe This Summer

Summer is underway, and a recent poll found that 62% of Canadians are likely to hit the road for a well-earned vacation this year. Whether you’re taking off on a plane, train, car, or boat — or even opting for a staycation — a little planning ahead can help ensure your time away isn’t cut short by illness.  

Common summer illnesses can throw a wrench in anyone’s plans. But if you’re one of the 45% of Canadians who have a chronic health condition like heart disease, diabetes, or migraines, they can seriously impact your health. Taking precautions while you’re on vacation can help you avoid unexpected illnesses that may worsen your pre-existing condition. And if illness does strike, Maple allows you to connect with a doctor or nurse practitioner 24/7/365 through secure text and audio or video call.

Here, we look at the most common summer ailments and how to prevent them so you can return from vacation rested, refreshed, and full of fond memories.

1. Heat-related illnesses

Heat-related illnesses like dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke are impacting more Canadians each year as extreme heat events become more common. Cities that aren’t usually impacted by the extreme heat have seen the greatest spikes in deaths and serious injury from heat-related illnesses. 

Certain groups may be more susceptible to heat-related illness and injury, and it’s important to keep these groups in mind if you’re travelling with different generations of family members.

Those who are most at risk include:  

• Older people, especially those over 75
• Those who have a serious or long-term illness, including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, and mental health conditions
• People who are on multiple medications
• Those who may find it hard to keep cool, such as babies, children, and those with memory conditions 
• People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places
  

To prevent heat-related illnesses, take these precautions when you head out for a day of fun in the sun: 

• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing and a hat. 
• Take plenty of water with you, and drink often to stay hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol and high-sugar beverages, which can dehydrate you faster.
• Whenever possible, avoid exposure to direct sunlight for long periods of time. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade, especially between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Take frequent breaks during heavy activity — sit in the shade and sip a cool beverage. Avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
• Keep your living space cool.  

Common symptoms of heat-related illnesses include headache, nausea, muscle cramps, tiredness, dizziness, excess sweating, deep thirst, and a rapid, weak or irregular pulse. Heat stroke is a serious medical emergency characterized by a body temperature of 40°C (104°F) and hot, red skin that’s clammy or dry — seek medical care immediately if these symptoms occur.  

To treat milder heat-related illnesses, remove yourself from the heat. Take small sips of water or a sports drink to rehydrate, and run your hands under cool water, or take a cool — not cold — shower or bath to lower your body temperature.

Sunburns, while not an illness, pose a serious threat to the health of your skin and increase your risk for skin cancer. To prevent sunburn, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen whenever you’re out and about, and reapply it as directed. Wear long sleeves, pants, and a hat to further reduce your risk of sunburn.

If you do develop hot and sore skin caused by sunburn, you can treat it yourself with painkillers, cool damp towels, and aftersun cream. Your skin may flake and peel after a few days, but it usually gets better within seven days.

Close to 65% of melanoma cases are caused by UV rays, though basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are also caused by UV rays. If you tend to burn often, monitor your skin carefully. You can consider regular mole mapping for you and your family, where dermatologists look at your existing moles and highlight areas to monitor changes in size, colour, border, texture, and symptoms of itching or bleeding. 

2. Seasonal allergies 

The beauty of spring and summer comes with a price for one-quarter of Canadians who struggle with seasonal allergies, such as allergic rhinitis. Environmental allergens like pollen, cut grass and mold can trigger symptoms from early spring through late summer. 

Symptoms of seasonal allergies include rash and hives, itchy, watery eyes, sinus congestion, runny nose, tickly throat, sneezing and coughing.

While it’s not possible to prevent the immune response that causes the allergic reaction, you can help decrease the frequency and severity of outbreaks: 

• Monitor pollen counts, and stay indoors if possible when they’re high.
• Keep windows and doors closed during high-pollen days.
• Start taking a daily over-the-counter oral antihistamine two to four weeks before allergy season starts if your allergies tend to be severe.
• Take an antihistamine 15 minutes before heading outside. 
• If your symptoms are severe, wear an N95 respirator mask or similar. Antihistamine eye drops, steroids, and antihistamine nasal sprays can also alleviate symptoms.  

If you’re unsure about your allergies and need insight into your triggers, talk to a primary care provider. They can determine if you need to see an allergist and help you navigate the next steps for your care.

3. Insect bites and stings

Outdoor activity exposes you to insects like mosquitoes, wasps, horseflies, sand fleas, and other pests that sting and bite. These bites can cause swelling and itchiness around the site, leading to open wounds and infection.  

Symptoms of insect bites and stings include pain, intense itching, and red skin or swelling around the bite site.

To prevent bites and stings:

• Avoid insects like wasps and their nests. 
• Cover your food and drinks.
• Wear a bug repellent that’s effective against mosquitoes and ticks.
• Avoid perfumed cosmetic products, since fragrances can attract insects.

To relieve itching from common bug bites, put an ice pack wrapped in a cloth on the bite or sting for at least 20 minutes. Painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen can relieve pain, and antihistamines can relieve any itching. If you want to reduce swelling and itching, you can use a hydrocortisone cream.  

Depending on the location of the sting, you may want to remove any rings, bracelets, or anklets before the swelling increases. If you notice increased redness, fever, rigors, and sweat and no improvement in the wound, seek medical attention immediately. 

There can be more serious bug bites that you should look out for. Lyme disease, which is contracted through the bite of the blacklegged tick, is part of a family of viruses spread by insects called arboviruses. To reduce your risk of arboviruses, take these precautions when you head out into nature:

• Use an insect repellent that works on ticks as well as mosquitos.
• Wear long sleeves and pants while hiking — tuck your pants into your socks, and wear a hat with a back flap.

Symptoms for arboviruses vary, depending on the insect bite. Lyme disease affects approximately 2,500 Canadians each year. Symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a red, expanding skin rash called erythema migrans. Left untreated, the infection can spread to the heart, joints, and nervous system.

 If you get bitten by a tick, here are the steps for proper removal:

• Use clean, fine-point tweezers to grasp the tick at the head, as close to the skin as possible. 
• Slowly pull upwards, taking care not to squeeze or crush the tick.
• Clean the bite with antiseptic or soap and water. 
• Place the tick in a clear resealable bag and note the date you were bitten and the location of the bite to check in with your doctor.

If you get bitten by a tick, try to save it for identification. If it’s a blacklegged tick, antibiotics may help prevent the onset of Lyme disease. Report any symptoms to your doctor as soon as possible — early treatment with antibiotics offers the best possible outcome.

If you have questions when you’re on the go this summer and you’re unsure where to find medical care, talking to a doctor or nurse practitioner on Maple can help you navigate odd-looking bites and reactions. 

4. Foodborne illnesses

Salmonella, E.coli, and other foodborne illnesses are more common in the summer because the hot, moist environment makes a perfect growth environment for bacteria.   Norovirus is the leading cause of food poisoning in Canada, causing an estimated 65% of cases and leading to almost 1,200 hospitalizations and 21 deaths each year.

Protect your family from foodborne illnesses by following strict food handling and cooking practices: 

• Keep your food cold at all times, including fruits and vegetables — cantaloupe and other dimple-skinned fruits carry a high risk of salmonella. 
• Wash your hands frequently while you prepare food.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure meat reaches an internal temperature of 75°C. 
• Wash your utensils before and after use. 
• Finally: when in doubt, throw it out. 

Symptoms of food poisoning include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Stool may be watery or bloody, and you may experience headache, fever, or fatigue.

If you suspect food poisoning, talk to your doctor to pinpoint the cause and determine the best course of action. In most cases, a food-borne illness will run its course naturally. Norovirus will usually resolve in 24 to 48 hours, while E.coli can last for up to 10 days. It may take up to 10 days for your bowels to recover. 

While recovering from food poisoning, it’s important to take the following steps: 

• Drink plenty of water
• Replenish lost salts with Pedialyte (adults and children)
• Consider a soft diet of plain food such as rice, bread, and potatoes
• Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, meats, cheeses and sodas
• Practice good hand hygiene to prevent spreading it to others
• If you work with children/food, avoid returning to work until symptom-free for 48 hours to prevent spread of infection
• Note that antibiotics are not commonly prescribed in the early stages as they can kill the good bacteria in your stomach and prolong your symptoms

5. Swimmer’s ear (Otitis Externa)

Otitis Externa, or swimmer’s ear, is a common condition that causes inflammation or infection of the ear canal. Approximately 10% of the population will have swimmer’s ear in their lifetime.

Symptoms of swimmer’s ear may include pain or pressure in and around the ear, especially when touched or while chewing. You may experience itching, discharge, fever, a feeling of fullness in the area, or yellow or brown discharge coming from the ear. Take note that younger children experiencing swimmer’s ear may be off their feeding and get irritable or pull on their ears. 

Treatment for swimmer’s ear includes over-the-counter ear drops like Swim Ear or prescription ear drops. While using these drops, you should keep your ear covered when showering or bathing for one week, as water entering the ear can delay the healing process. You should avoid swimming for two weeks.

To prevent swimmer’s ear:

• Avoid wearing earbuds or earplugs for prolonged periods.
• Keep soap, bubble bath, and shampoo out of your ears.
• Do not swim in dirty or polluted water.
• Don’t stick anything inside your ear to scratch or clean them, including cotton swabs.
• After swimming or showering, shake the water out of your ears and use a soft towel to absorb water from the external ear.

6. Enteroviruses

Enteroviruses are more common in summer because they thrive in water. Coxsackie virus (hand, foot, and mouth disease) and viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) are examples of the more than 100 non-polio enteroviruses, though the most common is the dreaded summer cold. 

Enteroviruses are easily transmitted through water, fecal, and oral routes. To prevent enteroviruses:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces like doorknobs and countertops.
• Cover coughs with a tissue or the inside of your arm — not your hands.
• Avoid close contact with anyone infected. 

Because there are so many types of enteroviruses, symptoms vary, but the most common include runny nose, cough, fever, headache, skin rashes, and mouth blisters. 

Treatment for many enteroviruses, including the common cold, follows a regimen of rest, fluids, and symptom management through over-the-counter decongestants, cough suppressants, and pain relievers. Talk to your doctor if you suspect someone in your family has an enterovirus, especially if they’re an infant or have a weakened immune system.

7. COVID-19

Although COVID-19 cases tend to spike in the winter months, the virus remains highly contagious throughout the year. The most effective way to prevent COVID-19 is to: 

• Stay up-to-date with vaccinations.
• Avoid large crowds.
• Keep a six-foot distance from others.
• Wear a mask in crowded areas.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Regularly disinfect commonly touched surfaces like door handles and faucets.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can vary widely and may include fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, fatigue, and stomach issues.

To determine whether you have a summer cold or COVID-19, take a COVID-19 test, and talk to your doctor about your treatment options if it’s positive. In most cases, treatment involves bed rest, plenty of fluids, and symptom management. 

Prevention is key to a safe, healthy summer

When a warm-season illness strikes, access to prompt medical care is essential, whether you’re at home, at the cottage, or RVing through Canada’s many national parks. If you’re one of the 6.5 million Canadians without a primary care provider, Maple provides fast access to Canadian-licensed primary care providers, specialists, and nurse practitioners over secure text, audio, or video call, whenever and wherever you need it. If you’re travelling, Maple is still available both within and outside of Canada for medical advice, so you can have peace of mind knowing that you can get non-emergency care anytime you need it. 

With Maple, you can take control of your health — and not just when illness strikes. Easy access to primary care through Maple means that you can focus on preventive care, including early diagnosis and ongoing treatment for chronic illnesses. Best of all, you don’t need to wait for a referral to talk to a specialist.  

Keep Maple in mind when you’re out and about this summer, and rest easy knowing that access to non-emergency medical care is a quick and secure text, audio or video call away.

As you gear up for your summer adventures, remember that a little preparation can go a long way in keeping your family safe and healthy. By following these prevention tips, you can minimize the risk of summer sickness and make the most of your time away or at home.

The information presented here is for educational purposes and is not meant to replace the advice from your medical professional. Virtual care is not meant for medical emergencies. If you are experiencing an emergency like chest pain or difficulties breathing, for example, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.