Common Summer Injuries & Illnesses

Summertime Injuries & Illnesses

With increased temperatures, we tend to spend more time outdoors doing physical activities with our friends and families. Unfortunately, this significantly increases your risk of sustaining certain injuries. Here’s what you should know about a few of the most common.

Heat-Related Illnesses

With temperatures peaking during the summer months, it is fairly common for people to experience heat-related illnesses if they’re spending a lot of time out in the summer sun and aren’t paying attention to the warning signs that arise. Here are the most common heat-related illnesses to watch out for:

• Heatstroke: Heatstroke happens when your body temperature rises to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes and requires emergency medical attention.
• Heat Exhaustion: Heat exhaustion happens when you lose too much salt and water and can lead to heatstroke if your fluids aren’t replaced.
• Heat Syncope: Heat syncope is a fainting spell or episode of dizziness that happens from standing for long periods or suddenly standing up from sitting or lying down due to dehydration.
• Heat Cramps: Heat cramps happen when you lose too much salt through sweating, resulting in muscle cramping in your arms, legs, or abdomen.

Skin Rashes & Irritation

As we venture out into the great outdoors and indulge in hikes, sports, and other activities, there is an increased potential for experiencing various skin irritants from bug bites to reactions to certain plants.

Some of the most typical bug bites and stings common in the summertime include:

• Bee stings
• Wasp bites
• Mosquito bites
• Spider bites
• Tick bites
• Fire ant bites
• Spider bites

Other common skin irritations include:

• Heat rash
• Poison ivy, poison oak, and sumac
• Athlete’s foot

When to Seek Help

If your symptoms persist or become severe, and you believe you should seek immediate care, the Walk-in Clinic in Gillette, Wyoming, is here to help. When it comes to urgent care, each patient can expect us to help them get back to life with quality care and personalized service. Save your spot in line or walk-in today! Learn more at www.cchwyo.org/wic.