Acıbadem Kozyatağı Hospital Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Semra Kavas talked about the precautions we should take to avoid the most common infections in summer; made recommendations and warnings.
Kavas, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist, warned:
Acute intestinal infection (gastroenteritis)
Acute gastroenteritis (intestinal infections) are the most common infections in the summer months. Viruses such as rota and adenovirus; Bacteria such as E.coli, Salmonella, Shigella and S.aureus can cause infection. The disease is transmitted by contaminated (dirty) hands, foods that are not hygienically prepared or stored under appropriate conditions, swallowing insufficiently disinfected pool water, drinking water contaminated with sewage water, or consuming food that has come into contact with contaminated water. Dr. Semra Kavas, pointing out that the most important result of these infections, which manifests itself with a few symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever, is fluid loss. . "Some of the bacterial agents may require antibiotic treatment," he says.
How should it be protected?
Pay attention to your hand hygiene.
Make sure that the drinking water and the water in which the food is washed are clean.
Avoid the consumption of foods that you are not sure of their cleanliness and storage conditions.
Do not forget that milk and dairy products are easily perishable in hot environments.
Urinary tract infection
The incidence of urinary tract infections is increasing, especially in women, for reasons such as entering the water with a dirty pool, not changing wet and dirty swimsuits, and not drinking enough water. This infection causes symptoms such as burning during urination, frequent urge to urinate, pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen, swelling in the abdomen, cloudy and smelly urine, nausea, vomiting and fever. Although it is easy to diagnose and treat, it can cause serious kidney infections if neglected.
How should it be protected?
Increase your water intake in summer.
Never hold your urine.
Do not choose pools that are not sure of chlorination and water analysis.
Take a shower before and after entering the water.
Don't stay with wet swimwear, change your swimsuit immediately after you get out of the water.
Cleaning after the toilet should be done from front to back for women.
Fungal infections
Factors such as hot weather, sea and pool can cause an increase in genital area and skin fungal diseases. The risk of genital yeast infections is increased, especially in women, diabetics, and people who have recently used antibiotics. Fungal infections in the genital area pain, itching, discharge; may occur with skin discoloration, itching, and dandruff. Dr. Semra Kavas says, “Although it is possible to treat fungal infections mostly with creams, in some conditions oral fungicides may need to be taken.”
How should it be protected?
Change your wet clothes to dry after the pool and sea or as you sweat.
Make sure to wear cotton underwear and change clothes frequently.
Choose air-permeable shoes.
Pay attention to your diet; you should drink plenty of water, prefer light foods that are easy to digest, reduce the use of spices, avoid packaged food consumption, and eat rich in fruits and vegetables.
Infections caused by insect bites
As the time spent outdoors increases in summer, the risk of contact with factors such as ticks and mosquitoes, which can be disease carriers, increases. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever, a viral disease that can threaten life, is transmitted by ticks and progresses with high fever. Lyme disease and Q fever, which are also transmitted by ticks, are also seen in our country and cause different clinical pictures accompanied by fever. Dr. Stating that these infections can be treated with antibiotics, Semra Kavas says, "In addition, especially in feverish patients with a history of traveling abroad, the underlying cause may be malaria, West Nile virus or Zika virus disease, which is transmitted by mosquitoes and is common in African and Asian countries."
How should it be protected?
In rural areas, cover any open areas where ticks can enter your body.
Wear light-colored clothing so that ticks can be easily spotted.
When you get home, take off your clothes and check for ticks.
In terms of malaria, apply to travel health centers for medicines you will take before traveling to risky areas.
Avoid swamps, ponds, and scrub areas.
In areas where environmental control cannot be achieved, use non-toxic fly-tick repellent materials that are not applied directly to the skin.
Respiratory infections
Sore throat, cough, runny nose, muscle-joint pains and fever are the most common symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections. Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist Dr. Emphasizing that these diseases, which are usually caused by viruses, disappear with supportive treatments, Semra Kavas said, “Legionnaires' disease, which is more common in summer and is transmitted through the respiratory tract, is a serious lung infection caused by legionella bacteria. The bacteria is usually transmitted by inhaling water droplets emitted from environmental sources such as cooling tower fans, jacuzzis and shower heads, spray humidifiers and decorative fountains. Treatment is of great importance; otherwise, mortality rates are above 50 percent in people with additional diseases, advanced age and weak immune system.
How should it be protected?
The most important prevention is possible with hand cleaning. Make it a habit to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60 percent alcohol.
Do not touch your eyes, nose and mouth with dirty, unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Cover your cough with a tissue and sneeze into the tissue. Then throw the tissue in the trash.
Use a surgical mask if you have to stay for a long time in closed, crowded environments.
Use after cleaning the frequently touched surfaces and items (glasses, bags, wallets, etc.) with a normal cleaning spray, disinfectant wipes or water-soap.
Have air conditioners cleaned and maintained regularly.
If you are in the risk group, have your COVID-19 vaccine, pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.
Be the first to comment