Four Medical Problems That Are More Common in Summer | DC Metro Area Medical Malpractice Law Blog

Summers are filled with picnics, barbecues, beach trips and other fun activities, but they can also be a time of increased risks for specific types of disease. While it may seem like most illnesses occur during the cold months of winter, summer brings its own health issues, including these four common problems:

•  Asthma Summer staples like campfires and smoke from barbecue grills, significant changes in the weather including increases in humidity – even chlorine – can all increase the risk of asthma problems and allergic reactions, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.
• Swimmer’s ear Whether you swim in a pool, the ocean or a lake, the ear can trap water, and that can lead to infections. Swimmer’s ear is responsible for about 2.4 million trips to the doctor each year. Drying your ears thoroughly is the best way to prevent swimmer’s ear from occurring.
• Food poisoning The warm summer weather provides ideal conditions for bacterial growth, and that means the risk for food poisoning increases dramatically. If you’re planning a barbecue or picnic, use these tips from the USDA to avoid food-borne illnesses.
• Lyme disease Carried by tiny deer ticks hardly larger than the head of a pin, the CDC says Lyme disease affects tens of thousands of people each year. The agency provides tips on how to prevent tick bites and how to remove ticks once they’ve latched on.

Enjoying lazy summer days doesn’t mean being trapped indoors. Being aware of the risks of illness and disease that are most likely to occur in the summer is the best way to stay healthy and enjoy fun in the sun.

About the Author

Patrick M. Regan, Esq.

Patrick Regan is a board certified personal injury lawyer and a founding partner at Regan Zambri Long. His practice is devoted to helping those who suffered catastrophic injuries in car accidents, truck accidents, Metro accidents, and medical malpractice. Over his nearly 40-year career, Patrick has obtained some of the most significant jury verdicts in the history of Washington, DC on behalf of injured victims. Patrick is licensed to practice law in Washington, DC, Virginia, and Maryland. He received his B.A. at Hamilton College and his J.D. at the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America.