PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. – Soaring temperatures, mixed with high humidity, are increasing the risk of heat illness, especially among children.
“When you see a kid that’s in the heat and they’re vomiting, that’s a tell-tale sign that the child is in trouble where, number one, the first thing you need to do is cool that kid down,” said Dr. Richard So, a Pediatrician with Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital.
So said ice and water are good ways to quickly cook a child’s body temperature, however, if the child is having changes in consciousness it’s vital to seek medical attention immediately.
And while swimming is a great way to cool off, there are many different germs and organisms that live in water which can make you sick.
Common signs of illness include stomach and intestinal upset as well as rashes, ear or eye pain.
A cough or congestion after swimming in contaminated waters is also a warning sign.
To protect yourself, never go to the bathroom or change dirty diapers near the water and if you bring a pet to a public beach, be sure to pick up after them.
Also, avoid open areas of water for at least 24 hours after a storm to avoid potential contact with contaminated runoff.
And experts say don’t think that because a pool is chlorinated it’s safe.
Chlorine doesn’t kill germs immediately; some can actually linger for days despite the presence of the chemical.