Recommendations from Schneider Children's Experts for a Healthy and Safe Summer

During summer, viruses and bacteria that cause diarrhea become more common. High temperatures increase bacterial growth in food, especially in restaurants and food stalls at recreation sites. As a result, many children experience diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. Infants and young children are at greater risk due to their smaller size and higher body water content (70% of body weight compared to 50% in adults).

To reduce risk, maintain proper hand hygiene after using the toilet, after diaper changes, and before and after meals. Avoid food that has been left out in the sun or heat without refrigeration. When swimming in pools, make sure disinfection is maintained to prevent contamination.

The main treatment for acute diarrhea is fluid replacement to prevent dehydration. It is recommended to continue the child's regular diet, including breastfeeding or formula, without dilution or changes to the formula. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS), such as Hydran or Mineral, which contain electrolyte salts, have been proven to reduce the need for intravenous fluid administration.

Consult a pediatrician if the child has more than eight episodes of diarrhea a day, frequent vomiting, is under two months old, has a significant chronic illness, shows signs of dysentery (high fever, bloody stools), or symptoms of dehydration (drowsiness, reduced urine output).

Children are more vulnerable than adults to heat-related conditions, especially during the intense Israeli summer. These conditions occur when heat production or external heat exceeds the body's ability to cool itself.

Heatstroke - the most serious condition - may begin with headache, weakness, nausea, vomiting, and mild fever. Body temperature may then rise above 40°C (104°F), along with drowsiness, rapid shallow breathing, and even seizures.

To prevent heat-related illnesses, ensure children stay hydrated, avoid exertion during peak heat hours, wear light clothing and hats, and are never left in closed vehicles. If heatstroke is suspected, seek immediate medical attention. In the meantime, move the child to a cool, shaded area, remove clothing, apply cold water, and offer fluids if the child is alert.

Infants and toddlers are especially sensitive to heat. Use technological aids to prevent accidentally leaving children in cars. In 35°C (95°F) weather, car temperatures can exceed 50°C (122°F) within 20 minutes and reach over 65°C (149°F) in 40 minutes.

Beyond the risk of heat-related illnesses, excessive sun exposure can damage children's skin. Sunburns in childhood increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. Avoid exposure during midday hours. Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), reapply every two hours and after water play, and make sure children wear hats.

Children wear less clothing in summer and spend more time outdoors, making them more susceptible to mosquito bites. These usually cause only local discomfort but can lead to secondary infections. Use window screens and repellents with DEET or picaridin (not for infants under two months). Treat bites with cooling agents or antihistamines like Fenistil to relieve itching and prevent infection.

Snakes are more active from spring through fall, especially in the early evening hours. In Israel, over 300 snake bites are reported each year, mostly from the Palestine viper (Daboia palaestinae), the scientific name of the Israeli common viper.

To prevent bites, children should avoid rummaging through construction debris, trash piles, storage areas, or bushes. If a snake is spotted, treat it as venomous, step away slowly, and do not attempt to catch it.

A snake bite typically shows two puncture marks about one centimeter apart, with swelling, redness, and sometimes bleeding that may spread along the limb. Pain or tingling is common. Systemic symptoms may include paleness, sweating, dizziness, abdominal pain, vomiting, or changes in pulse. Swelling or tingling of the lips may signal an allergic reaction requiring urgent treatment.

Children under five are at greater risk due to their smaller body size relative to venom volume. Call for emergency help (e.g., Magen David Adom - MDA). Keep the child calm and avoid movement. Do not apply a tourniquet, suck the venom, or use heat or cold. If in a remote location, loosely wrap the limb with an elastic bandage 10 cm above and below the bite. Describe the snake's appearance to medical staff if possible.

MSF is caused by Rickettsia bacteria and transmitted via tick bites. It is most common in summer when outdoor activity increases. Symptoms include fever, headache, rash, muscle aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. Without treatment, MSF can be life-threatening. Seek medical attention if MSF is suspected.

While enjoying the beach during summer, children may suffer jellyfish stings, resulting in pain, itching, blisters, and sometimes numbness in the affected area. In case of a sting, rinse the area with seawater or vinegar (available from the lifeguard) rather than freshwater. Pain relief can be achieved with ice and analgesics.

To prevent drowning, closely supervise young children and ensure they use flotation devices, even older children who are not proficient swimmers. Always have an adult present and maintain visual contact with the child, regardless of age. Infants and toddlers under four years old are at high risk of drowning because their center of gravity is in the upper body, causing their heads to fall forward into the water. Therefore, even shallow water poses a danger. Additionally, young children have limited awareness of danger and coping abilities. Teenagers are also at increased risk due to overestimating their swimming abilities, underestimating risks, and engaging in impulsive behavior. Never swim in the sea or pool without a lifeguard present.

Frequent swimming can cause water to enter the ear canal, leading to infection. This often causes pain when pressing on the tragus (the small bump at the ear opening). Over-cleaning the ear with cotton swabs may also contribute. Treatment involves antibiotic-steroid ear drops and brings quick relief. Recurrent cases may require using earplugs while swimming.