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Summer Season Diseases and Their Prevention in India

Learn about common summer season diseases in India, their causes, symptoms, and risk factors. Discover effective prevention tips to stay healthy and safe during hot weather.

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Written by Dr. Mohammed Kamran

Reviewed by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef MBBS

Last updated on 13th Aug, 2025

Summer in India brings scorching heat, high humidity, and an increased risk of various seasonal illnesses. The extreme temperatures can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and infections caused by contaminated food and water. However, with the right precautions, you can stay healthy and enjoy the season safely.

Common Summer Diseases in India

Below are a few common summer diseases in India,

1. Heatstroke (Sunstroke)

Symptoms:

  • High body temperature (above 104°F)

  • Headache, dizziness, nausea

  • Rapid heartbeat, confusion, or fainting

Causes:

Prolonged exposure to high temperatures without proper hydration.

Prevention Tips:

  • Drink plenty of water (at least 8-10 glasses daily).

  • Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes.

  • Avoid direct sunlight between 11 AM and 4 PM.

  • Use hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+).

2. Dehydration

Symptoms:

  • Dry mouth, extreme thirst

  • Dark yellow urine, fatigue

  • Dizziness and muscle cramps

Causes:

Excessive sweating without adequate fluid intake.

Prevention Tips:

  • Drink water, coconut water, or ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution).

  • Eat water-rich fruits like watermelon, cucumber, and oranges.

  • Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol (they increase dehydration).

3. Food Poisoning & Diarrhea

Symptoms:

  • Stomach pain, nausea, vomiting

  • Loose motions, fever

Causes:

Consuming contaminated food or water due to bacterial growth in heat.

Prevention Tips:

  • Eat freshly cooked meals; avoid street food in unhygienic conditions.

  • Wash hands before eating.

  • Store food properly in the refrigerator.

4. Chickenpox

Symptoms:

  • Red, itchy rashes turning into blisters

  • Fever, fatigue

Causes:

Viral infection (Varicella-zoster virus) spreads due to heat and humidity.

Prevention Tips:

  • Get vaccinated (especially for children).

  • Avoid close contact with infected individuals.

5. Typhoid

Symptoms:

  • High fever, weakness

  • Stomach pain, headache

Causes:

Contaminated food/water (Salmonella typhi bacteria).

Prevention Tips:

  • Drink boiled or filtered water.

  • Maintain hygiene and get vaccinated if needed.

6. Skin Infections (Prickly Heat, Fungal Infections)

Symptoms:

Red rashes, itching, small blisters

Causes:

Excessive sweating and clogged sweat glands.

Prevention Tips:

  • Wear breathable fabrics.

  • Keep skin dry; use talcum powder if needed.

  • Shower twice a day in hot weather.

Consult a Top Specialist

Dr. Chethan T L, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Chethan T L

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD, DNB (General Medicine)

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

550

83 Cashback

Dr. Rajib Ghose, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Rajib Ghose

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

26 Years • MBBS

Kolkata

B Ghose Foundation Doctor's Chamber, Kolkata

recommendation

92%

(25+ Patients)

1063

850

Dr. Rajib Ghose, General Practitioner

Dr. Rajib Ghose

General Practitioner

25 Years • MBBS

East Midnapore

VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore

950

850

Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam, General Practitioner

Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam

General Practitioner

3 Years • MD (Physician)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

recommendation

93%

(100+ Patients)

495

Dr. Sujay P R, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sujay P R

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

3 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

40 Cashback

General Tips to Stay Healthy in Summer

Below are a few general tips to stay healthy in summer,

  • Stay Hydrated – Drink water, lemonade, coconut water, and buttermilk.

  • Eat Light & Fresh – Include salads, fruits, and yogurt in your diet.

  • Avoid Junk & Oily Food – They can cause indigestion and heat-related issues.

  • Wear Sun Protection – Use sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses.

  • Maintain Hygiene – Wash hands frequently, especially before meals.

  • Exercise Smartly – Work out in the early morning or evening to avoid heat exhaustion.

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience:

  • Persistent high fever

  • Severe dehydration (no urination for hours, extreme weakness)

  • Blood in stool or vomiting

  • Uncontrolled rashes or infections

Seek medical help immediately.

Stay Safe This Summer!

By following these simple precautions, you can protect yourself and your family from common summer illnesses. If you need expert advice, consult a doctor on Apollo 24|7 for quick and reliable healthcare support.

Final Thoughts

Summer in India brings higher risks of heat-related illnesses, dehydration, foodborne infections, and vector-borne diseases. By staying hydrated, maintaining good hygiene, eating fresh food, and protecting yourself from excessive heat exposure, you can significantly reduce the risk of these seasonal ailments.

Consult a Top Specialist

Dr. Chethan T L, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Chethan T L

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD, DNB (General Medicine)

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

550

83 Cashback

Dr. Rajib Ghose, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Rajib Ghose

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

26 Years • MBBS

Kolkata

B Ghose Foundation Doctor's Chamber, Kolkata

recommendation

92%

(25+ Patients)

1063

850

Dr. Rajib Ghose, General Practitioner

Dr. Rajib Ghose

General Practitioner

25 Years • MBBS

East Midnapore

VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore

950

850

Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam, General Practitioner

Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam

General Practitioner

3 Years • MD (Physician)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

recommendation

93%

(100+ Patients)

495

Dr. Sujay P R, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sujay P R

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

3 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

40 Cashback

Consult a Top Specialist

Dr. Chethan T L, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Chethan T L

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

5 Years • MBBS, MD, DNB (General Medicine)

Bengaluru

Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru

550

83 Cashback

Dr. Rajib Ghose, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Rajib Ghose

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

26 Years • MBBS

Kolkata

B Ghose Foundation Doctor's Chamber, Kolkata

recommendation

92%

(25+ Patients)

1063

850

Dr. Rajib Ghose, General Practitioner

Dr. Rajib Ghose

General Practitioner

25 Years • MBBS

East Midnapore

VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore

950

850

Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam, General Practitioner

Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam

General Practitioner

3 Years • MD (Physician)

Visakhapatnam

Apollo 24|7 Clinic - Andhra Pradesh, Visakhapatnam

recommendation

93%

(100+ Patients)

495

Dr. Sujay P R, General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Sujay P R

General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist

3 Years • MBBS

Bengaluru

PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru

400

40 Cashback

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