The summer break is over…but summer isn’t! There are still several weeks left in the warm season, with temperatures soaring well above the 40s in several areas. Summertime brings with it pool parties, backyard BBQs and trips to the beach, but also comes with a few troublesome health issues that may have you scrambling to see a doctor.
But with the Omicron variant hampering our mobility, what do you do if you have a health condition you think you need a doctor for, but don’t want to risk exposure to the virus by spending time in a waiting room? Online GP consultations are the answer!
Allowing people to get access to an AHPRA registered and highly qualified online doctor at any time of the day, telehealth services offer an excellent alternative to heading to your local GP’s clinic for non-life-threatening conditions. Here are some of the most common health problems doctors commonly see during the summer months and when an online doctor might suffice:
Gastroenteritis
The hot weather can make food spoil very fast, and viruses and bacteria also rapidly multiply during the warmer weather, causing increases in gastroenteritis and food poisoning cases. Most cases of gastro and food poisoning can be easily treated at home by staying hydrated and waiting for the symptoms to pass, but a quick consultation with an online doctor will help you be better prepared in monitoring your symptoms and knowing when to seek immediate medical attention.
Heatstroke
Mostly occurring in babies, young children, seniors over 65 years of age or those who spend most of their time outdoors, heatstroke is fatal in up to 80% of cases if not given immediate attention. It is imperative to immediately take the affected person to the emergency department and try to bring their body temperature down using cool compresses and rehydrating them. An online doctor may not suffice in such a case. Common symptoms of heatstroke include hot, dry skin, very high body temperature (above 40C), confusion, dizziness and slurred speech and loss of consciousness.
Allergies and rashes:
You’re likely to be spending a lot of time outdoors during the warmer weather, which exposes the body to all kinds of reactants and irritants. You may also experience heat rash, sun rash or a worsening of existing skin conditions like eczema. You may also come in contact with certain plants or grasses that cause skin rashes or get bitten or stung by an insect. If you’re concerned about a rash or allergic reaction, an online doctor should be able to recommend a treatment plan after seeing the rash on a video call.
Fungal infections:
Spending time in lakes, pools and communal dressing rooms also opens you up to getting a fungal infection such as swimmer’s ear, ringworm or athlete’s foot. Your online doctor may be able to recommend antifungal medication, creams, powders, pills and ointments and can write you a pathology referral to get the fungus analysed for appropriate treatment. However, if the infection persists or frequently recurs, you may need to see a doctor in person.
0
