Keep summer illnesses at bay with these prevention tips

Spending time in the sun, swimming and catching up with family and friends, is what summer is all about. However, summer infections and illnesses can put a damper on your fun.

When temperatures soar, we head to the beach or the nearest pool. But did you know that diarrhea, is the most common swimming-related illness? According to the US’s Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, people typically have about 0.14 grams of poop (similar to a few grains of sand) on their bodies at any given time. So, when a person who is sick with diarrhea gets in the water, that tiny amount of poop on their body can wash into the water around them and contaminate it with germs, leading to illness.

Other swimming-related illnesses include skin infections, ear and eye infections, and respiratory problems such as cough and congestion.

Food poisoning can also cause diarrhea. Bacteria grow in warm, moist environments, and food may spoil quicker even if it has been refrigerated. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, are especially vulnerable to diarrhea, dehydration, and pneumonia.

To lower your risk of infections this summer, follow these important prevention tips to stay healthy:

• To prevent swimming-related illnesses:
  • Take a shower after swimming.
  • Keep water out of your mouth when you swim.
  • Dry your ears after a swim.
  • Treat skin wounds quickly.
  • If you or your child are having a bout of diarrhea or have open wounds, stay out of the water to prevent germs from spreading.
• Washing your hands frequently, especially before and after eating, and after going to the toilet.
• Keep cooking surfaces and utensils clean, cook foods to their proper temperature, and promptly refrigerate leftovers.
• Stay hydrated. Ensure that you and your children are getting enough fluids during the day. Fruit with a high water content – such as watermelons, mangoes, sweet melon, and strawberries – will also give you a hydration boost.
• Keep your immune system strong by eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of well-rinsed fresh fruit and vegetables, or consider supplementation. A review^* published in Trends in Food Science and Technology on the role of food nutrients and supplementation in fighting against viral infections and boosting immunity concluded that nutrients play an important role in the well-functioning of the immune system, protecting against viral and other infections. “Balanced healthy diets along with nutrient supplementation is required for maintaining the normal functioning of the immune system. The immune system is generally compromised during the infection and diseases. So, the intake of lots of fresh fruits and green vegetables, and antioxidant-rich foods, as well as avoiding processed and junk foods would be beneficial against viral infection,” the authors explained. Read more: 8 Ways to strengthen your child’s developing immune system.

When choosing your supplement, always check if there is a full list of ingredients on the product, a package insert, a valid company address with contact details, and compliance to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), which is a prerequisite for health product manufacturing. Read more on How to choose a supplement.

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