Summer is here and we are now planning our summer vacations—to domestic and international destinations as well as trips to the beach so we can get that nice “healthy” glow associated with a tan. 

Being outside more this time of the year means we need to prevent sunburns and insect bites and to avoid becoming dehydrated.

International travel also picks up this time of the year and common travel-related diseases need to be anticipated and immunizations updated.

Protection from sun exposure

Sun exposure comes with a price. UV exposure benefits us in terms of helping to produce vitamin D for bone growth. However, overexposure to the sun over the years can lead to sun damage leading to skin lesions—some potentially benign or malignant—along with aging changes to the skin.

There are truths and myths about the use of sunscreens. Food and Drug Administration guidelines are as follows:

Only UVA and UVB sunscreens can be advertised as broad-spectrum coverage;

Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF rating of over 15 can claim to protect from the risk of skin cancer;

In addition to sunscreens, a person should wear protective clothing, sunglasses with an SPF rating and a hat. They should avoid going out in mid-day (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.); and,

Sunscreens that are labeled “water resistant” are only effective for either 40 or 80 minutes before they need to be reapplied.

Insect bites

During the spring and fall, we are at higher risk of being stung or bitten by a wide variety of bees, wasps and flies, not to mention bites by ticks. Insects such as mosquitoes can spread West Nile fever to humans and other animals. Ticks are well known to spread Lyme and other tick-borne diseases in our area. 

Malaria was very rare in the U.S. until recently. There are cases reported in southern states, and some returning travelers have become ill after they returned home. 

To prevent insect bites, we rely on sprays containing DEET or geraniol. You should also wear protective clothing when walking in fields during the day, especially in the early mornings and late afternoon/early evenings. 

Protect yourself from insect bites:

Avoid wearing perfumes, lotions and scented soaps. 

Avoid walking through areas with a large number of insects—e.g. bee hives or standing water—or places that could have a large number of ticks.

Be careful when eating outdoors, especially with open sweet drinks or near garbage cans.

If you have a history of serious reactions to bee stings, always carry an Epipen with you.

Dehydration and heat stroke

Dehydration occurs when the amount of water leaving the body exceeds the amount of water taken in. Our bodies are composed of about 75 percent water. We lose water when breathing out humidified air from our lungs, along with loss from urination, bowel movements and sweating. Other causes of excessive water loss are from vomiting, diarrhea and poorly controlled diabetes, the last of which causes an increase in the volume of urine. 

Symptoms associated with dehydration include dry mouth, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, heart palpations, dizziness when standing. Heat stroke is a worsening of the above symptoms, along with confusion, disorientation and coma.

Fluids that can be used to rehydrate:

Water

Clear broth

Popsicles

Jello 

Other replacement fluids like Gatorade, Pedialyte or other sports drinks

For adults, one quart of non-alcohol-containing fluids should be consumed each hour when working or exercising in a hot environment.

Dehydration can lead to serious outcomes, so if a person is showing confusion, disorientation and an inability to stand, this is an emergency and 911 should be called.

Traveling advice 

More of us are traveling to international destinations that have a high frequency of water-borne and insect-carrying infections. COVID is still a problem internationally, regardless of where you are going. 

Travel to Europe generally does not require any specialized vaccination. However, going to Central America, Mexico, Africa, and South and Southeast Asia can require vaccinations and oral medications.

You need to plan your immunizations, exams and medications several months before you leave on a trip. If you are traveling in a country that recommends a yellow fever shot,  you will need to go to a licensed center for dispensing this vaccine. Your family doctor may also recommend that you go to an infectious disease specialist or to a travel center.

Have a great time traveling this summer, but anticipate your needs before you leave home.