Spending time outdoors in the sun can be fun and relaxing. However, overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause more than just painful, red skin. It can make you sick. Many people don’t realize that a serious sunburn can lead to symptoms that mimic the flu, including fever, chills, nausea, and fatigue. Understanding why this happens and when to seek medical care is crucial to staying safe and healthy during the sunnier months.
For same-day sunburn relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Our medical team is available 7 days a week to provide quality seasonal care. Just walk in or plan your visit in advance below!
What Happens To Your Skin During a Sunburn?
A sunburn is essentially a radiation burn caused by UV rays damaging the DNA in your skin cells. The damage triggers an inflammatory response as your body tries to repair the injured tissue. This response causes redness, swelling, pain, and warmth on the skin’s surface, but it also releases chemicals like histamines and cytokines into your bloodstream. These inflammatory mediators can affect your entire body, not just the burned area, leading to systematic symptoms.
Why Does Sunburn Cause Flu-Like Symptoms?
When the body undergoes this intense inflammatory reaction, it can produce symptoms that resemble those of the flu or other viral infections. These can include:
- Fever
- Chills or shivering
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Fatigue
- Nausea
Your body typically raises its temperature to help fight off the perceived damage and regulate temperature. This cluster of symptoms is sometimes called “sun poisoning,” although it’s important to clarify that it’s not caused by a toxin but rather the body’s immune response to severe skin damage.
Dehydration and Heat Illness Can Worsen Symptoms
In addition to the inflammatory response, dehydration often plays a major role in how sick you feel after sunburn. Exposure to heat and UV radiation causes increased fluid loss through sweating and can impair your body’s ability to cool down. When fluids and electrolytes aren’t replenished, you risk developing heat exhaustion, which also produces flu-like symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, and nausea. These overlapping conditions can make it hard to tell if you’re just sunburned or if you need urgent medical care.
When To Visit Urgent Care For Sunburn-Related Symptoms
Most mild to moderate sunburns can be treated at home with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relief. However, urgent care is recommended if you experience:
- High fever
- Severe chills or uncontrollable shivering
- Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
- Confusion, dizziness, or fainting spells
- Large or blistering burns covering a significant portion of the body
- Signs of infection
These symptoms may indicate sun poisoning, heat exhaustion, or even heat stroke– medical emergencies that require prompt evaluation and treatment. The best way to avoid sunburn and flu-like symptoms is to wear SPF 30 or higher, seek shade during peak sun hours, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and stay well hydrated.
Get Walk-In Sunburn Relief at AFC Urgent Care Union City
Severe sunburn is not just uncomfortable, it can trigger a systemic inflammatory response that makes you feel ill, with symptoms much like the flu. Combined with dehydration and heat exposure, sunburn can become a serious health concern that requires medical attention. If you or someone you know experiences flu-like symptoms after spending time in the sun, don’t hesitate to visit us at AFC Urgent Care Union City. Early intervention can prevent complications and help you recover safely and comfortably. Protect your skin, stay hydrated, and enjoy the sun responsibly. If you have any questions about the urgent care services we provide, please contact our team directly at (551) 257-1948.
