Prioritising health amidst rising temperatures: Guidance on summer flu and dehydration symptoms

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: As summ e r intensifies in Bengaluru, bringing with it soaring temperatures, it becomes imperative for residents to prioritise their health amidst potential challenges like flu, dehydration, pollen allergies, and other seasonal issues.

Dr Sunil Kumar Prabhu, a Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician at Aster RV Hospital in JP Nagar, offers valuable insights on safeguarding health during the summer months.

Staying hydrated in the scorching heat

Dr Prabhu emphasises the importance of staying hydrated by consuming ample water and fluids.

To prevent dehydration and heatstroke, he recommends avoiding outdoor activities during peak sun hours, opting for light and breathable clothing, and consistently using sunscreen.

Fluctuating temperatures in Bengaluru may still allow certain flu strains to circulate, with symptoms mirroring those in colder months.

Dr Prabhu suggests differentiating between summer flu and dehydration symptoms, which can be challenging but crucial for timely medical intervention.

Maintaining good hygiene, frequent handwashing, and avoiding crowded places help prevent flu and allergies.

For pollen allergies, residents are advised to keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and follow prescribed medication plans.

Dealing with dehydration for vulnerable groups

Dehydration is a significant concern during Bengaluru's summers, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.

Practical tips provided by Dr Prabhu include encouraging regular fluid intake, offering hydrating foods, avoiding sugary and caffeinated drinks, and monitoring urine colour.

Recognising signs of dehydration, such as excessive thirst and dark urine, is crucial for timely intervention. Dr Prabhu also recommends several electrolyte drinks and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to combat dehydration, considering factors like severity and individual preferences.

Options like Electral, Pedialyte, and sports drinks provide a precise blend of salts and sugars, while coconut water offers a natural electrolyte source.

Addressing pollen allergies

During Bengaluru’s summer, common pollen allergy triggers include grass, tree species like neem and eucalyptus, weed pollen, flowering plants, airborne mould spores, air pollution, and dust mites.

Dr Prabhu advises individuals to recognise these triggers and implement measures such as monitoring pollen counts, avoiding outdoor activities during peak times, and using air conditioning with HEPA filters.

Individuals with pollen allergies can take preventive measures beforehand, including identifying specific allergens through consultation or testing, avoiding outdoor activities during high pollen levels, using protective gear, and considering allergy medications.

Ensuring optimal health in summer

Additional tips for optimal health during the summer include staying hydrated, protecting against sun exposure, eating fresh and light meals, practising good hygiene, staying active safely, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and staying informed about weather conditions and health advisories.

Emerging health trends and concerns in Bengaluru

Dr Prabhu highlights emerging health trends in Bengaluru’s summer, including increasing air pollution, rising temperatures leading to heat-related illnesses, waterborne diseases due to contaminated water sources, vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria, urban heat island effects, pollen allergies, and food safety concerns.

He urges individuals to stay informed and take appropriate precautions.

For reliable information, individuals can turn to government health departments, healthcare institutions, weather forecasting agencies, environmental agencies, local community health centres, NGOs, verified online health portals, verified social media channels, and verified news outlets.

Regular monitoring of weather updates, air quality indices, and health advisories is essential for informed ecisionmaking.