Why are people always visiting urgent care in the summer? Here’s our guide to staying safe & healthy this summer.
Summer in Dalton means more time outside, more family fun, and unfortunately, more unexpected trips to urgent care. Between hiking the trail at Dalton State, pool days with the kids, and park playdates, there are plenty of opportunities for warm-weather health issues to pop up. At AFC Dalton, we tend to see a steady increase in patient visits during the summer months. Here are some of the most common reasons people stop by and how you can avoid turning a perfect summer day into a visit to the clinic.
Heat-related Illnesses
Heat rash happens when sweat gets trapped under the skin due to blocked sweat ducts. This often shows up as red, itchy bumps or bubbles. Heat rash is common in children who are playing outside or adults working in hot conditions. The rash usually appears on the neck, chest, back, or armpits, areas where sweat tends to collect. Staying cool, wearing loose cotton clothing, and keeping your skin dry can help prevent it. If the rash becomes painful, swollen, or starts to emit pus, it’s best to have it looked at by a medical provider at AFC Dalton.
Sunburn is another summer regular. Whether you’ve spent the day swimming at the John Davis Recreation Center or strolling through the Downtown Dalton Farmers Market, unprotected sun exposure can do serious damage to your skin. While fair skin burns more easily, anyone can suffer from sunburn if exposed long enough without proper protection. Wearing sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and staying out of the sun during peak UV hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) can help prevent burns. If your sunburn is severely painful, blistering, or still present after a week, it’s a good idea to come in for an evaluation.
Food Poisoning and Gastroenteritis
Outdoor cookouts and summer gatherings are great, but they often involve food being left out for longer than it should be, and sometimes food is prepared in conditions where it’s hard to maintain proper sanitation. Warm temperatures encourage bacteria to grow quickly, especially on meat, dairy, and salads. Common symptoms of foodborne illness include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and fever. Practice hand washing and sanitizing cooking utensils and surfaces to avoid food poisoning. Most mild cases clear up in a day or two with rest and hydration. However, if symptoms become severe or stick around longer than expected, our urgent care clinic is a safe place to get relief.
Swimmer’s Ear
Swimmer’s ear is another summer problem that we see all the time. It’s an infection of the ear canal, caused when water becomes trapped in the ear after swimming. Pools, lakes, or even a long, steamy shower can create the perfect conditions for bacteria to grow, especially if there’s a small scratch in the ear canal from a Q-Tip or fingernail. Swimmer’s ear usually starts as a little itch or discomfort but can quickly turn into pain, drainage, muffled hearing, or even fever. To avoid an infection, dry your ears thoroughly after swimming and wear earplugs or a swimmer’s cap for protection. Swimmer’s ear is unlikely to go away on its own, so if your ear is bothering you after a swim, come by AFC Dalton so we can get you started on the right treatment.
Sports Injuries
Of course, with all the extra physical activity happening during the summer whether it’s hiking, biking, playing sports, or just running around in the yard, we also see a spike in injuries. Sprains, strains, broken bones, fractures, and cuts are all common reasons people visit urgent care this time of year. Even if an injury seems minor at first, it’s better to get it checked out so it doesn’t turn into a bigger issue later. Wearing the right gear, knowing your limits, and staying hydrated can help prevent some of these injuries, but when accidents happen, we’re here to help.
Insect Bites and Allergic Reactions
Finally, insect bites and allergic reactions are a summer staple in North Georgia. Mosquitoes, ticks, and stinging insects are out in full force, and so are plants like poison ivy and poison oak. When outdoors, it’s always important to bring bug repellent and wear lightweight long sleeves when hiking. Skin reactions can range from a mild, itchy bump to full-body rashes or even serious allergic responses like difficulty breathing or dizziness. If you’re experiencing unusual or worsening symptoms after a bite or exposure to a plant, don’t wait it out. Let our team take a look and provide you with trusted medical expertise.
Staying Healthy in Dalton
At AFC Dalton, we know that health problems don’t take the summer off and neither do we. We’re open seven days a week with extended hours, and walk-ins are always welcome. Whether it’s a rash that won’t quit or an injury from a weekend hike, we’re here to help you get back to feeling your best. We love our community and want you to enjoy it all summer long.
