Respiratory Tract Infections Increase in Summer Months
Respiratory tract infections, which are more common in the fall and winter months, have also begun to show themselves in the summer months. In recent days, an increase has been observed in the number of citizens applying to hospital emergency rooms with complaints such as high fever, fatigue and cough. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüsrev Diktaş from the Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department of Medipol Hospital stated that there is an increase in two different types of infections in the summer months. These infections can also be seen in the form of epidemics in society. He stated that in addition to respiratory tract infections, infections affecting the stomach and intestinal system are also commonly observed.
Air Conditioning-Related Infections
Diktaş emphasized that infections are more common in closed areas where air conditioners are located. “Air conditioners pose serious infection risks, especially in hotels and public accommodation areas, when not maintained. This can lead to pneumonia. “It should be noted that these infections are more common in children, individuals over the age of 55, and those with chronic diseases,” he added.
Hot Weather and Food Bacteria
Diktaş explained that hot weather in the summer months causes bacteria to grow in food, which results in food spoilage. “Bacteria-related infections mostly increase in the summer months due to hot weather. This condition progresses with symptoms such as severe diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain in the stomach and intestines. “It is extremely important to take such infections seriously as they can pose a risk in terms of dehydration,” he said.
Importance of Water Consumption
Drawing attention to the fact that fever and other symptoms have been observed frequently recently, Diktaş said, “Viral gastrointestinal infections, which are frequently seen in children and progress with high fever, abdominal pain and nausea, may be caused by norovirus or rotavirus. “This situation shows that sufficient food hygiene and proper storage of food are not taken into consideration.” He also stated that urinary tract infections can also be seen in pools during holiday periods and said, “Increasing water consumption is extremely important.”
