With Qatar experiencing hot temperatures, the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) has asked the public to exercise caution to protect themselves against summer diseases.

Some seasonal illnesses emerge in the hot weather, including skin diseases which are generally more common.

PHCC highlighted that it has been working to raise awareness and provide health tips to advance the wellbeing of all, in line with the strategy ‘prevention is better than cure.’

Manager of PHCC’s Abu Bakr Siddiq Health Center Dr Eiman Al Saadi said that high temperatures lead to many symptoms and complications and seasonal illnesses are frequent.

The Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) called on the public to be careful to avoid and prevent summer diseases, as some seasonal diseases begin to appear during this hot season, the best-known of which are skin diseases in general.#QNA pic.twitter.com/J6GNBOBQfi

— Qatar News Agency (@QNAEnglish) June 6, 2021

Summer diseases are more common among children and the elderly.

The PHCC official cautioned that the intense summer heat can cause infection with fungi and other skin diseases, which is why it is important to avoid exposure to these infections by taking preventive measures.

Dr Al Saadi emphasized the need to drink lots of fluids to prevent dehydration due to the hot temperatures. She also recommended wearing sunglasses to avoid dryness in the eyes.

Regarding workers exposed to the hot weather, Dr Al Saadi underlined the significance of sufficient water intake during their daily work. To ensure their wellness and safety, they should drink water regularly with portions of two liters every two to three hours.

High temperature can also negatively impact patients with heart diseases, diabetes, blood pressure and kidneys, as dehydration can take place suddenly, Dr Al Saadi mentioned.

Dehydration can increase blood hardness and reduce fluidity, which may lead to the formation of severe clots, particularly for smokers and diabetics.

Among the most prominent summer diseases are asthma and chest allergies due to high temperature, in addition to influenza, she pointed out.

Other common ailments in summer include gastrointestinal diseases, particularly among children, as they are directly related to breastfeeding or nutrition, temperature and humidity, air condition and surrounding pollution, in addition to the difficulty to control the means of transmission of the infections, she added.

Dr Al Saadi also urged the public to remain cautious of skin infections that spread during summer season, these include pigmentation, skin burns and tinea-color disease.

Here are 5 of the most common summer illnesses coupled with some tips on how to avoid them.

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