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Summer Diseases to Watch During Summer

Stay healthy this summer! Learn about common summer diseases like heatstroke, dehydration, food poisoning, and mosquito-borne illnesses. Discover essential tips for prevention and staying safe in the heat.

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Written by Dr. Mohammed Kamran

Reviewed by Dr. Vasanthasree Nair MBBS

Last updated on 13th Jan, 2026

Summer Diseases to Watch During Summer

Summer brings sunshine, vacations, and outdoor fun, but it also comes with certain health risks. The hot and humid weather creates the perfect environment for various infections and illnesses. Knowing about these common summer diseases, their symptoms, and prevention tips can help you stay safe and enjoy the season worry free.

Common Summer Diseases and How to Avoid Them

Common summer diseases and ways to avoid them:

1. Heatstroke (Sunstroke)

What is it?

  • Heatstroke is a severe heat related illness caused by prolonged exposure to high temperatures, leading to dehydration and overheating.

Symptoms:

  •  High body temperature (above 104°F or 40°C)

  •  Headache and dizziness

  •  Nausea or vomiting

  •  Rapid heartbeat

  •  Confusion or unconsciousness

Prevention & Management:

  •  Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.

  •  Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 10 AM and 4 PM.

  •  Wear loose, light colored clothing.

  •  Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

 If symptoms appear, move to a cooler place, drink fluids, and seek medical help immediately.

2. Dehydration

What is it?

  • Dehydration occurs when the body loses more fluids than it takes in, leading to an imbalance in electrolytes.

Symptoms:

  •  Extreme thirst

  •  Dry mouth and skin

  •  Fatigue or dizziness

  •  Dark yellow urine

  •  Reduced urination

Prevention & Management:

  •  Drink at least 810 glasses of water daily.

  •  Consume hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and coconut water.

  •  Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol.

  •  Carry a water bottle when stepping out.

3. Food Poisoning

What is it?

  • Food spoils faster in summer due to heat, increasing the risk of bacterial contamination (like Salmonella and E. coli).

Symptoms:

  •  Stomach cramps

  •  Nausea and vomiting

  •  Diarrhea

  •  Fever

Prevention & Management:

  •  Eat freshly cooked meals.

  •  Avoid street food or unhygienic eateries.

  •  Refrigerate perishable foods.

  •  Wash hands before eating.

  •  If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Khuda Baksh Nagur, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Khuda Baksh Nagur

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

11 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE), Certificate Programme clinicians in Diabetes Management

Bengaluru

Medwin multispeciality clinic, Bengaluru

recommendation

89%

(25+ Patients)

500

400

Dr. Tanzeem Shajahan, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Tanzeem Shajahan

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)

Bengaluru

Medwin multispeciality clinic, Bengaluru

500

500

Dr. Smitha Nagaraj, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Smitha Nagaraj

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

550

4. Chickenpox

What is it?

  • A highly contagious viral infection common in summer, causing itchy rashes and blisters.

Symptoms:

  •  Fever and fatigue

  •  Itchy red spots turning into fluid filled blisters

  •  Headache

Prevention & Management:

  •  Get vaccinated (Varicella vaccine).

  •  Avoid close contact with infected individuals.

  •  Keep skin clean and avoid scratching.

  •  Consult a doctor for antiviral medications if needed.

5. Dengue & Malaria

What is it?

  • Mosquito Borne diseases that peak in summer due to stagnant water (breeding grounds for mosquitoes).

Symptoms:

  •  High fever with chills

  •  Severe headache and body pain

  •  Fatigue and nausea

  •  Skin rashes (in dengue)

Prevention & Management:

  •  Use mosquito repellents and nets.

  •  Wear full sleeved clothing.

  •  Keep surroundings clean; avoid stagnant water.

  •  If fever persists for more than 2 days, get tested immediately.

6. Skin Infections (Heat Rash, Fungal Infections)

What is it?

  • Hot and sweaty conditions can lead to skin rashes, fungal infections (like ringworm), and acne.

Symptoms:

  •  Red, itchy rashes

  •  Small blisters (heat rash)

  •  Peeling or flaky skin

Prevention & Management:

  •  Shower twice a day to remove sweat.

  •  Wear breathable cotton clothes.

  •  Use antifungal powders if prone to infections.

  •  Avoid excessive sun exposure.

7. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

What is it?

  • A contagious eye infection causing redness, itching, and discharge.

Symptoms:

  •  Red, swollen eyes

  •  Watery or sticky discharge

 Itching and burning sensation

Prevention & Management:

  •  Avoid touching eyes with dirty hands.

  •  Do not share towels or eye makeup.

  •  Use prescribed eye drops if infected.

General Tips to Stay Healthy in Summer

Few general tips to stay healthy in summer are:

  •  Stay Hydrated: Drink water, coconut water, and fresh juices.

  •  Eat Light: Include fruits, salads, and yogurt in your diet.

  •  Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Stay indoors between 11 AM and 3 PM.

  •  Wear Protective Clothing: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen help.

  •  Keep Your Surroundings Clean: Prevent mosquito breeding.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience:

  •  Persistent high fever

  •  Severe dehydration or dizziness

  •  Worsening rashes or infections

  •  Prolonged vomiting or diarrhea

Don’t ignore symptoms—early treatment prevents complications.

Need Help? Book a Consultation Today!

If you or your loved ones experience any concerning symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Apollo 24|7 offers quick online consultations and lab tests for summer related illnesses. Stay safe and enjoy a healthy summer!

Stay Cool, Stay Healthy!

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Khuda Baksh Nagur, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Khuda Baksh Nagur

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

11 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE), Certificate Programme clinicians in Diabetes Management

Bengaluru

Medwin multispeciality clinic, Bengaluru

recommendation

89%

(25+ Patients)

500

400

Dr. Tanzeem Shajahan, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Tanzeem Shajahan

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)

Bengaluru

Medwin multispeciality clinic, Bengaluru

500

500

Dr. Smitha Nagaraj, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Smitha Nagaraj

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

550

Consult Top Specialists

Dr. Sanjukta Das, General Physician

Dr. Sanjukta Das

General Physician

9 Years • MBBS

Kolkata

MCR SUPER SPECIALITY POLY CLINIC & PATHOLOGY, Kolkata

500

Dr. Swaroopa Rani, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Swaroopa Rani

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

9 Years • MBBS, MD (Internal Medicine)

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

650

Dr. Khuda Baksh Nagur, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Khuda Baksh Nagur

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

11 Years • MBBS, MD (GENERAL MEDICINE), Certificate Programme clinicians in Diabetes Management

Bengaluru

Medwin multispeciality clinic, Bengaluru

recommendation

89%

(25+ Patients)

500

400

Dr. Tanzeem Shajahan, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Tanzeem Shajahan

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

7 Years • MBBS, MD (General Medicine)

Bengaluru

Medwin multispeciality clinic, Bengaluru

500

500

Dr. Smitha Nagaraj, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Smitha Nagaraj

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

15 Years • MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

550

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