Beach Season and Infections- Tips From Sophio Nemsadze

Summer vacation is associated with the sea, sun, and relaxation. However, high water and air temperatures create an ideal environment for the proliferation of various microorganisms. To make sure your long-awaited vacation isn't replaced by illness, it's important to know what to avoid and how to act effectively.

Intestinal Infections (rotavirus, norovirus, salmonellosis, shigellosis, and others) — the most unwelcome (and common) summer visitors target the gastrointestinal tract.

Route of transmission: Swallowing contaminated sea or pool water, raw or insufficiently heat-treated food — including fruits and vegetables — and perishable products that haven't been stored properly. Violations of personal hygiene norms also contribute.

Symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, elevated temperature.

Prevention:

• Avoid swallowing seawater.
• Don't buy food (especially seafood, meat, and cream cakes/pastries) from open stalls on the beach.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap, especially before eating.

Ear and Eye Infections ("swimmer's ear" and conjunctivitis) — prolonged time in water weakens the protective barrier of the skin and mucous membranes.

External otitis ("swimmer's ear"): Water trapped in the ear canal promotes bacterial growth, causing pain, itching, and a sensation of blockage.

Acute conjunctivitis: Eye burning, redness, and tearing result from irritation caused by bacteria or chlorine in sea or pool water.

Prevention:

• After swimming, carefully dry your ears with a towel (don't use cotton swabs deep in the ear).
• Use swimming goggles and earplugs.

Skin and Fungal Infections — a wet swimsuit and hot sand are the best allies of fungal and bacterial infections.

Prevention:

• Change out of a wet swimsuit into a dry one as soon as you leave the water.
• Don't sit directly on bare sand or a sunbed — always use your own personal towel.
• Wear special flip-flops/slippers in pools and public showers.

Evidence-Based Golden Rules: First Aid

• Hydration comes first: During diarrhea or vomiting, the main danger is dehydration. Sometimes plain water isn't enough — use oral rehydration salts (electrolytes) to restore lost balance.
• Don't take antibiotics on your own initiative: Most sea-related infections are caused by viruses, against which antibiotics have no effect and may even worsen the condition.
• Fever reducers: Use paracetamol or ibuprofen, strictly following dosage guidelines.

When should you see a doctor immediately?

• Uncontrollable vomiting (when the patient cannot keep fluids down).
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth/tongue, reduced or stopped urination, severe weakness, drowsiness).
• High temperature lasting more than 2–3 days.
• Blood in stool or vomit.
• Severe abdominal pain.