Summer Sickness: Sore/Strep Throat & Fevers

By Immediate Medical Care | August 9, 2024

Summer is fun with many outdoor activities, vacations, and family gatherings. But sometimes, we can get sick even during the sunny season. One common problem is a sore throat, sometimes strep throat. Fevers are also a common symptom of summer sickness. 

This blog will discuss sore throats and fevers, their causes and symptoms, and how to care for yourself if you get sick. We’ll also tell you why seeking immediate medical care is essential when necessary.

Why Are Sore Throats and Fever Common in Summer? 

Summer is when we often think of fun in the sun and when people get sick. Here are some reasons why sore throats, strep throats, fevers, and other symptoms are expected during the summer:

Air Conditioning

  • Dry Air: Air conditioning can dry the air, drying out your throat and nasal passages. This dryness can make your throat scratchy and more susceptible to irritation and infections.
  • Temperature Changes: Moving between hot outdoor and excellent indoor air can stress your body and weaken your immune system, making you more prone to infections.

Increased Travel

  • Exposure to Germs: Traveling exposes you to new environments and more people, increasing your chances of coming into contact with bacteria and viruses.
  • Crowded Places: Airports, hotels, and tourist attractions can be breeding grounds for germs, especially in congested areas where it’s easy to spread infections.

Swimming Pools and Water Activities

  • Contaminated Water: Swimming in pools, lakes, or oceans can expose you to bacteria and viruses in the water. Contaminated water can lead to infections, including sore throats.
  • Chlorine: Chlorinated pool water can irritate your throat and respiratory system, making you more susceptible to infections.

Summer Camps and Gatherings

  • Close Contact: Summer camps, picnics, and family gatherings bring people close together, making it easier for germs to spread from person to person.
  • Shared Items: Sharing food, drinks, and utensils can spread bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of infections like strep throat.

Dehydration

  • Hot Weather: Hot summer weather can cause dehydration if you don’t drink enough fluids. Dehydration can dry out your throat and weaken your immune system, making it easier for infections to take hold.
  • Outdoor Activities: Spending a lot of time outdoors, especially if you’re active, increases your need for water. Not drinking enough can lead to dehydration and increase the risk of sore throats and other symptoms.

Allergies

  • Pollen: Summer is a peak time for pollen allergies, which can cause symptoms like a sore throat, runny nose, and itchy eyes. Allergies can also make you more susceptible to throat irritation and infections.
  • Dust and Mold: Dust and mold from air conditioning systems and outdoor environments can trigger allergic reactions and throat irritation.

Summer Foods

  • Cold Foods: Eating cold foods like ice cream can sometimes cause a sore throat. While it might not lead to an infection, the irritation can make your throat feel sore.
  • Barbecues and Picnics: Outdoor eating can expose you to bacteria from improperly stored or cooked food, which can cause gastrointestinal infections and symptoms like fever.

Weakened Immune System

  • Stress and Fatigue: Busy summer schedules, travel, and changes in routine can lead to stress and fatigue, weakening your immune system and making you more vulnerable to infections.
  • Poor Sleep: Longer daylight hours and irregular schedules can disrupt sleep patterns, weakening the immune system and increasing the risk of illness.

Symptoms of Sore Throat

  • Pain or scratchiness in the throat
  • Pain when swallowing or talking
  • Swollen or red tonsils
  • White patches or pus on the tonsils
  • Hoarse voice
  • Coughing or sneezing

Symptoms of Fever

  • Feeling hot or sweaty
  • Chills or shivering
  • Headache
  • Muscle aches
  • Weakness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Dehydration

How to Treat a Sore Throat and Fever

Home Remedies

  • Rest: Get plenty of rest so your body can fight the infection.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink lots of fluids, such as water, herbal tea, and soup, to keep your throat moist and prevent dehydration.
  • Gargle with Salt Water: Gargling with warm salt water can help soothe a sore throat.
  • Use a Humidifier: A humidifier adds moisture to the air, which can help relieve a dry throat.
  • Over-the-counter Medications: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce pain and fever.

Medical Treatment

You should see a doctor if you have strep throat or severe symptoms. The doctor might:

  • Perform a Rapid Strep Test: This is a quick test to see if you have strep throat.
  • Prescribe Antibiotics: If you have strep throat, the doctor will administer antibiotics to kill the bacteria.

When to Seek Immediate Medical Care

It’s essential to seek immediate medical care if you have:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • A high fever (over 103°F or 39.4°C) or a fever that lasts more than three days
  • Severe pain in your throat or swollen neck
  • A rash along with a sore throat
  • Symptoms of dehydration include parched mouth, dark urine, or dizziness

Prevention Tips

To avoid getting sick during the summer, follow these tips:

  • Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your throat moist and your body hydrated.
  • Use a Humidifier: Consider using a humidifier at home to add moisture to the air, especially if you’re using air conditioning.
  • Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands regularly, especially after being in crowded places or before eating.
  • Avoid Sharing: To reduce the spread of germs, don’t share food, drinks, or utensils with others.
  • Stay Cool, Stay Covered: Stay calm and avoid sudden temperature changes. Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.
  • Eat Healthy: Maintain a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, and other nutrients to keep your immune system strong.
  • Rest and Relax: Get plenty of sleep and take time to relax and reduce stress.

Meet Dr. Anu Pani, MD – Your Trusted Medical Expert

When summer fun is interrupted by a sore throat or fever, you need expert care you can trust. Meet Dr. Anu Pani, MD, an extraordinary physician with 20 years of experience in Urgent Care and Family Medicine. Dr. Pani is board-certified in Family Medicine and is renowned for her compassionate and thorough approach to patient care. During the coronavirus pandemic, a local community group honored Dr. Pani as a “hero” for her exceptional dedication and service.

If you’re searching online for a trusted “urgent care near me,” Dr. Pani and her dedicated team are here to help you feel better quickly. They provide personalized care for sore throats, fevers, and other summer ailments, ensuring you get the relief you need without the hassle. No appointments are required—walk-in or same-day visits are always welcome.

Don’t let a sore throat or fever ruin your summer. Call us at 914-279-5860 or contact us for urgent care in Westchester. Dr. Pani and her team are ready to assist you every step of the way.

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The material on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

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