Summer means activities all day long. How can you stay safe & healthy? Learn why people visit our clinic & ways you can avoid a trip.
Summer in Athens is all about sunshine, backyard barbecues, swimming at Ingleside Pool, and outdoor adventures at places like the Eureka Trail. But while the season brings plenty of fun, it also brings a few health risks that keep urgent care centers like ours a little busier than usual.
At AFC Athens, we see a noticeable uptick in visits during the summer months. Here are five of the most common reasons people in our area come to see us, and how you can help prevent these seasonal setbacks.
1. Heat-Related Illnesses: Heat Rash & Sunburn
When the Tennessee heat and humidity crank up, so do the chances of developing heat rash or sunburn.
Heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped under the skin. It’s more common in young kids, but adults can get it too, especially if you’re outside at a ball game or helping in the garden.
Typical signs include:
- Small bubbles, red dots/pimples, or blisters
- Itchy or prickly skin
- Most commonly appears on the neck, chest, back, head, or armpits
To avoid heat rash, wear breathable cotton clothing, stay cool, and gently wipe away sweat with a cool towel. If the rash becomes severely irritated, swollen, or starts oozing, it’s time to stop by AFC Athens.
Sunburn is another frequent visitor in the summer. Whether you’re floating down the Hiwassee or spending the day at the Athens Regional Park Splash Pad, UV (ultraviolet) rays can damage your skin quickly.
That red, swollen, and tender skin is your body’s response to damaged skin cells. After absorbing too much sun, your immune system reacts and sends blood to the burnt area.
To protect yourself:
- Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Wear hats, sunglasses, and lightweight long sleeves
- Stay out of direct sunlight between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Blistering sunburns or those causing severe pain may need medical attention, especially to prevent infection.
2. Food Poisoning & Gastroenteritis
Summer cookouts and picnics are a Southern staple, but with the heat comes the increased risk of foodborne illness.
Whether it’s undercooked burgers at a tailgate or potato salad sitting out too long, warm temps make it easy for bacteria to grow on food.
Watch for symptoms like:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever or dizziness
To avoid food poisoning, wash your hands often, keep cold food chilled in a cooler, and don’t let anything sit out in the heat too long. If symptoms linger for more than a day or two, or become severe, our team at AFC Athens can help you recover faster.
3. Swimmer’s Ear
Hitting the pool or vacationing at the beach? Water can easily get trapped in your ears, leading to swimmer’s ear, an infection in the ear canal.
It’s very common in the summer and can happen after swimming in pools, lakes, or even showers.
Symptoms include:
- Ear pain or tenderness
- Itching inside the ear
- Fluid drainage
- Muffled hearing
- In severe cases, fever
Swimmer’s ear usually needs antibiotic ear drops to clear up, but if left alone, it can cause more serious symptoms and complications. Prevent it by drying your ears thoroughly after swimming, wearing swim earplugs, and avoiding swimming in lakes with high bacteria warnings.
4. Sports Injuries
While sports injuries can happen year-round, summer is a particularly popular time. From church league softball to hiking nearby Starr Mountain, injuries can happen anywhere.
We commonly treat:
- Sprains and strains
- Broken bones and fractures
- Cuts, scrapes, and bruises
Protect yourself by wearing appropriate gear like helmets or sturdy shoes, warming up before exercising, and knowing your physical limits. If you do get hurt, AFC Athens offers fast, walk-in care with X-ray services on-site, so you don’t have to wait in a busy ER.
5. Insect Bites & Allergic Reactions
Between the mosquitos, ticks, and poison ivy, summer can be rough on your skin, and even more so if you’re spending time outdoors.
Insect bites can lead to:
- Swelling, redness, or hives
- Rashes or itching
- In serious cases, dizziness or difficulty breathing
Tick bites are also a concern and can come with symptoms like:
- Fever or fatigue
- Headache or muscle aches
- Sometimes a bullseye-shaped rash
To prevent bites and stings, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves on hikes, and learn how to spot poisonous plants. If you notice worsening symptoms, allergic reactions, or signs of infection, come see us right away.
Stay Healthy This Summer
At AFC Athens, we’re here seven days a week to help you handle whatever summer throws your way. Whether it’s swimmer’s ear after a day at the lake or a sprain from a backyard game of flag football, we provide quick, compassionate care, no appointment needed.
Stop by when you need us, and get back to enjoying your summer in beautiful Athens, TN.
