During the summer, some diseases are more frequent mainly because they are associated with factors such as increased temperature, greater humidity and body exposure – since the tendency is to wear clothes that do not cover the whole body. In addition to being a vacation period, usually with the beach, pool and crowds of people, which can boost the infection agents. With the word of experts, check out what they are and how to prevent some common diseases in this period.
Dengue, Zika, Chikungunya
With the arrival of summer, an increase in mosquito infestation is common. “The aedes aegypt, for example, lays eggs that can survive more than 300 days on a dry surface and proliferate in the summer”, explains infectologist Joana D’arc Gonçalves, from Aliança Instituto de Oncologia.
One of the concerns of specialists is that the symptoms of the diseases are considered similar and can confuse the population, which is why the correct medical diagnosis is needed. The infectologist explains that the characteristics common to the three are: fever, body pain and red spots. However, the difference is that in Zika there may be a higher prevalence of conjunctivitis and rash, which are skin eruptions.
While in dengue, you have a sharp headache, especially in the area behind the eyes, in addition to strong body pain. Already in Chikungunya, muscle and joint pains are intense, to the point of compromising everyday activities. “There is also already evidence of Co-infection with A. aegypty, that is, a mosquito can transmit Dengue and Zika at the same time. That is why we must emphasize vector control”, reinforces the doctor.
To prevent, pay attention to the expert tips:
- Carry out the vector control, avoid the accumulation of standing water, clean and properly pack the waste;
- Use protective screens on windows and doors in places with a lot of mosquitoes and at risk;
- Use as a repellent;
- Avoid using perfumes when going for a walk, as it can attract insects, and prefer light-colored clothes that cover legs and arms;
Otitis
Called otitis, the most common ear inflammations this summer and vacation time are the external ones. Otorhinolaryngologist Jairo Barros, from the Instituto Brasiliense de Otorrinolaryngologia (IBORL), explains that they happen due to more intense contact with water, whether with the sea or a pool. “The main symptom is severe ear pain after long exposure to water. The pain is very intense, especially in children, ”he points out.
The medical advice is to look for an otorhinolaryngologist as soon as there is pain or alteration in the ear. During the treatment, which is done using a topical antibiotic and takes 7 to 10 days, the region cannot have contact with water. To prevent otitis, the doctor has simple guidelines. “When leaving the pool or the beach, when bathing, turn your head to the side and let plenty of running water fall into your ear and then dry it well with a towel. One of the ways to dry it is also using the hair dryer at a cold temperature and about 15 centimeters from the ear, for 3 to 5 minutes”, he guides.
Conjunctivitis
A problem that almost everyone already knows and is characterized by an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the membrane that surrounds the eyeball and the inner part of the eyelids. According to physician Fabiola Gavioli, ophthalmologist at CBV Hospital de Olhos, conjunctivitis is more common in the summer because people have a greater habit of going out and, mainly, staying in clusters, which helps to spread the virus or bacteria.
“Swimming pools and beaches with warmer water favor contamination. Contagion is through the air or through contact with the patient’s tears and secretions”, explains Fabiola.
Initial symptoms are burning eyes, tearing and feeling of sand. As it progresses, the eyes become red and runny. Conjunctivitis is usually self-limited, lasting around seven days, but there are more serious cases that can last for almost 30 days.
The doctor should be consulted when the amount of secretion is not what is normally found in the eyes, when there is blurring of vision or when there is a lot of sensitivity.
Conjunctivitis prevention is simple, you should avoid contact with contaminated people, wash your hands well during the day, don’t scratch your eyes and don’t share glasses and towels, and this also applies to personal items such as makeup brushes.
