Heat-related illnesses send thousands of people to emergency rooms and urgent care or immediate care centers each year. These conditions range from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heatstroke, making prevention and early recognition critical. High humidity levels can make it harder for the body to cool itself, increasing the risk.
Dr. Kristine Mull, Atrium Health Floyd Urgent Care physician, encourages her patients to be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke:
Heat exhaustion
- Heavy sweating
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Headache
Heatstroke
- Confusion
- High body temperature (103F or higher)
- Loss of consciousness
Sun exposure is another major concern, she said. Using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wearing protective clothing and limiting direct sun exposure can help prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Outdoor environments also increase exposure to insects, ticks and plants that can irritate the skin or transmit disease. Tick bites may lead to illnesses such as Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever, while poison ivy and similar plants can cause uncomfortable rashes that last for weeks.
To stay safe this summer, Mull recommends:
- Never leave children or pets in the car
- Drinking water regularly throughout the day
- Planning outdoor activities for cooler times of day
- Wearing protective clothing and insect repellent
- Checking for ticks after outdoor activities
- Washing skin after potential exposure to plants or untreated water
Summer should be a time to stay active and enjoy the outdoors. With the right precautions, families can stay safe while making the most of the season.
For those needing non-emergency care, Atrium Health offers several options, including:
- Virtual Primary Care: Choose a provider and care team for most of your ongoing primary care needs, from the comfort of your home. Convenient, virtual on-demand care options are available with 24/7 video e-visits for adults and children, not just during sick season but all year round.
- Primary Care: Contact your primary care provider if you have flu-like symptoms.
- Urgent Care: If experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, consider either a virtual or in-person urgent care option for mild to moderate symptoms to avoid long wait times in emergency departments.
