// 04Children on Vacation: Ears, Fever, and Injuries
// 05Sun Protection: More Than an Aesthetic Issue
// 06Prepare for a Carefree Summer at Primea
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Summer is synonymous with vacations, the beach, pools, and relaxation. However, high temperatures and a change in daily routine bring specific health challenges. A warm and humid environment is an ideal breeding ground for various microorganisms, making us more susceptible to infections.
To ensure your long-awaited vacation is truly carefree, it is important to educate yourself in time about the most common summer health risks and ways to prevent them.
Women's Health During Summer: Debunking Infection Myths
One of the most persistent myths is that almost any gynecological infection can be “caught” on the edge of a pool, a toilet seat, or a bus seat. In practice, this is mostly untrue. Genital warts (caused by HPV), for example, are transmitted primarily through direct contact of the skin and mucous membranes during sexual intercourse. Theoretically, transmission via objects is possible, but it is extremely rare.
“On the other hand, fungal and bacterial infections, such as candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis, as well as urinary tract infections, are much more common. They are most often not the result of an ‘external infection’, but rather a disruption of the natural vaginal flora. The vaginal flora is a very sophisticated ecosystem dominated by lactobacilli, and when that balance is disrupted, a problem arises,” explains gynecologist Dr. Milica Petrović Kmezić.
How Does Water Affect the Vaginal Flora?
Sea water: In and of itself, it is generally not a problem, and for some women, it even temporarily reduces the feeling of irritation due to its natural composition.
Pool water: Especially if it contains high levels of chlorine, it can cause irritation of the mucous membranes and alter the vaginal pH value. Chlorine does not cause infection directly, but it creates conditions for it to develop more easily.
Rivers and lakes: These carry a different risk. Microorganisms from stagnant or polluted water can cause local irritations or infections, especially in women who already have sensitive or damaged mucous membranes.
The biggest enemy of women’s health on vacation is not the water itself, but staying in a wet swimsuit. The intimate area requires the exact same thing as the skin: air. At high temperatures, tight synthetic underwear and a wet swimsuit practically create a “greenhouse” effect, ideal for microorganisms. The wrong choice of clothing can lead to increased sweating, skin irritations, fungal infections, as well as inflamed follicles and ingrown hairs.
How to Protect Yourself?
It is much more likely for a woman to get a yeast infection due to a disrupted flora balance than from sitting in shorts on public transport. Therefore, it is crucial to:
Change out of a wet swimsuit immediately after getting out of the water.
Wear breathable, exclusively cotton underwear and quick-drying swimsuits.
Avoid the daily use of aggressive intimate soaps and vaginal douching.
Drink plenty of fluids and urinate frequently (this is key for mechanically flushing bacteria out of the urinary tract and preventing urinary tract infections).
Traveler's Diarrhea: How to Protect Your Stomach While Traveling
Stomach bugs, bacterial infections (such as E. coli or Salmonella), and parasites are the most common causes of so called traveler’s diarrhea. A change of environment, different hygiene standards, and local food can easily ruin a vacation.
To protect your digestive tract, it is recommended to take prebiotics and probiotics a few days before departure, as well as during the vacation itself. In addition, apply strict hygiene rules:
Drink exclusively bottled water. This rule also applies to brushing your teeth! Be careful not to swallow water while showering.
Avoid drinks with ice cubes (ice is most commonly made from local tap water).
Eat only well-cooked food in reputable restaurants and hotels. Avoid street food.
Consume exclusively fruit and vegetables that you can peel yourself (e.g., bananas, oranges).
Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, especially after being in high-traffic areas (airports, airplanes, buses).
Exotic Destinations: Preventing Tropical Diseases
If you are planning a trip to tropical or subtropical regions this summer, preparation must be much more serious. Many of these destinations carry the risk of infectious diseases transmitted by insect bites (such as malaria, dengue fever, or Zika virus).
“Before your trip, be sure to check the epidemiological profile of the country you are traveling to on the official website of the Institute of Public Health of Serbia ‘Dr. Milan Jovanović Batut’. Also, consult your general practitioner to discuss necessary and recommended vaccinations. In addition to immunization, make sure to wear long-sleeved clothing and trousers made of lightweight materials (especially at dusk and dawn), and use strong mosquito repellents,” recommends Dr. Irena Petrović.
Children on Vacation: Ears, Fever, and Injuries
A child’s immune system is particularly sensitive to climate changes. High temperatures can often cause a fever (read more about how to react properly in our blog: How to Recognize High Fever in Children and When to React?).
Another common summer ailment in toddlers is ear infections (so called “swimmer’s ear”). Water retention in the ear canal creates an ideal moist environment for bacteria to grow, leading to sharp pain. This can be prevented by using olive oil-based products (such as Vaxol spray) that coat the ear canal, create a lipid barrier that repels water, and help naturally dissolve excess earwax (cerumen).
Children are also constantly on the move, so scratches and cuts are a daily occurrence. On the beach or in the sand, these wounds can easily become infected. Immediately rinse any scratch with clean (bottled) water, disinfect it, and protect it with a band-aid.
Sun Protection: More Than an Aesthetic Issue
Although we all love a tanned complexion, sun exposure without adequate protection carries serious health risks. Sunburns are not only momentarily painful; in the long run, they accelerate skin aging and drastically increase the risk of developing melanoma (skin cancer). Additionally, excessive heat exposure can lead to sunstroke and heat exhaustion.
Make sure to use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ or, even better, 50+. Apply the cream every two hours, as well as after every time you get out of the water. Wear wide-brimmed hats and avoid the strongest sun between 10 AM and 5 PM.
Prepare for a Carefree Summer at Primea
The best way to ensure your vacation goes without stress and health complications is adequate preparation. Don’t let summer infections take you by surprise!
Schedule a preventive check-up with a general practitioner at Primea before going on your trip. Our expert team will advise you on the proper use of probiotics, check your medical history, recommend necessary vaccinations for exotic destinations, and help you put together the ideal travel pharmacy kit. Your health doesn’t go on vacation; take care of it in time.
Services:
General practitioner consultation
General practitioner examination
Examination with Tetanus vaccination and issuance of a vaccination certificate
Gynecological examination
Pediatrician examination
Pediatrician examination with issuance of a health certificate
