When it comes to seasonal illnesses, many parents think of spring allergies and winter colds. But summertime has its own fair share of illnesses lurking beneath the guise of fun in the sun.
Kids spend more time outside during the summer, which exposes them to more germs. This can be good for their immune systems. But it’s also a good idea to be aware of common summer illnesses so you can fight back when they happen.
That said, here are some of the top summer illnesses to be on the lookout for this season and how you can treat them.
Whooping cough
Whooping cough is a highly contagious disease that spread quickly. Whooping cough is especially common at children’s summer camps. Symptoms include involuntary coughing, fatigue, and a sort of ‘whooping’ inhalation sound.
Don’t give your child cough medicine if they have whooping cough, but take your child to the doctor as soon as possible. To help prevent whooping cough, prevent your child from sucking their thumb. The average person has up to 3,200 bacteria on their hands.
Heat exhaustion
Heat-related illnesses are one of the most common killers in the summer. It’s critical that parents pay close attention to a child’s hydration during the summer months.
This is especially true this summer what with recent heat waves. Give your child a water bottle to sip on throughout the day. Never leave them in the car. And be sure they stay in the shade and rest periodically if they’re out in direct sunlight.
Lyme Disease
Ticks are more than annoying pests that lurk in wooded areas. They’re also carriers of Lyme Disease.
This serious bacterial infection spreads during the summertime because families are more likely to go on hiking and camping trips. Symptoms include aches, chills, fever, headache, and fatigue.
Be on the lookout for these symptoms; left untreated Lyme Disease can damage the nervous system and other parts of the body.
It’s a good idea to prevent finger sucking by the age of two or three, which is when your child begins to suck their thumb out of habit rather than reflex. To learn more about how to prevent finger sucking using thumb sucking deterrents, contact T Guard today. Our comfortable thumb sucking appliances can help.
