Everyone loves the warm summer days and long summer nights. Families and friends spend more time together, outdoor activity increases, and vacations and downtime turn into meaningful memories. But summer illness can get in the way of your big plans.

At Live Urgent Care, we believe in patient education. Knowing common health risks can help you plan better and get the right care. To help you prepare for summer, this article outlines common summer illnesses and how to handle each one.

Sunburn

Sunburn may not sound like an illness, but severe sunburns can ruin your plans. Excess time spent in the sun can lead to painful, blistering sunburn.

Most sunburns heal naturally, but severe cases can be helped by visiting an urgent care clinic. Many patients with severe sunburns are also dehydrated, and urgent care clinics have various ways of rehydrating patients. Providers can also prescribe topical creams that allow the burn to heal while preventing infection.

Sun Safety Practices:

• Wear sunscreen with wide band protection and reapply regularly
• Avoid prolonged outdoor periods when possible
• Look for shade during the heat of the day (typically between 11am and 3pm)
• Wear a hat, sunglasses, and a layer of light clothing to minimize exposure

Sports Injuries

Outdoor activity is part of why we love summer, but more time playing naturally leads to more sports injuries. When it comes to sports injuries, the biggest question is where you should go for treatment. In some cases, an urgent care clinic is perfectly equipped. In other cases, an emergency room is a better fit.

When To Visit Urgent Care

• Inability to bear weight (likely indicates a break or sprain)
• Intense swelling
• Limited mobility
• Numbness or tingling

When To Visit an ER

• Possible concussion
• Compound fracture
• Eye injuries

How To Prevent These Injuries

• Stretch before playing

• Use appropriate safety equipment
• Don’t do outdoor activity alone

Insect Bites

Summer means more insects and more outdoor time, which is a perfect combination for increased bug bites. While most bug bites are harmless, some can carry disease you will want to check for. If you notice any of the following symptoms after an insect bite, you will want to visit an urgent care clinic: 

• Rash or swelling
• Fever or chills
• The bite extends
• Site infection

Food Poisoning

Barbecues and summer go hand in hand. But cooking and eating outdoors increases your risk of food poisoning. The warmer outdoor temperature makes it easier for bacteria to grow on food faster. That bacteria is what leads to food poisoning.

Should you get a case of food poisoning, the main thing to focus on is hydration. Drink fluids with electrolytes in them to make sure you stay hydrated. If you are unable to keep those fluids down, you should visit an urgent care clinic.

To help prevent food poisoning, make sure you clean your utensils regularly, handle raw meat with care and do not allow it to touch other foods, and don’t leave food outside for too long.

Heat Exhaustion/Dehydration

A fun day in the sun can become a struggle quickly with heat exhaustion. One minute you feel great, and the next you feel entirely out of sorts. Heat exhaustion can happen suddenly, so knowing the symptoms is vital.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms: 

• Headache
• Nausea
• Dizziness or weakness
• Elevated body temperature

If you or a loved one shows symptoms of heat exhaustion, move them to a cool area immediately. Have them slowly sip cold water (drinking too quickly may cause nausea) and place cool, damp towels on them to bring their body temperature down. If symptoms persist after 30 minutes, it is best to visit an urgent care clinic.

Quality Care When You Need It

At Live Urgent Care, we make it easy to get the summer treatment you need. Our clinics are open 7 days a week and offer walk in service, so you can get help exactly when you need it. Learn more about our services and locations, and book your appointment ahead of time.