Common Illnesses Found at Summer Camps and How to Avoid Them
St. Hope Pediatricians • August 25, 2023
Summer camps are an anticipated event for children, offering a unique opportunity to learn new skills, make friends and create lifelong memories.
At the same time, the close-knit environment and shared facilities can sometimes lead to the spread of common illnesses. As a parent, understanding these potential health risks and learning how to prevent and manage them can help ensure your child's camp experience remains joyful and illness-free.
What Are Some Common Summer Camp Illnesses and Their Causes?
While summer camps are known for their fun-filled activities, they also provide an ideal setting for certain illnesses to spread. Some of the most common summer camp illnesses your child is vulnerable to include:
- Gastrointestinal infections: Stomach bugs like norovirus and other gastrointestinal infections are often spread through close contact and contaminated surfaces, especially in shared living spaces, dining halls and bathrooms.
- Respiratory infections: Respiratory illnesses such as colds, flu and COVID-19 can spread quickly in a camp environment due to close interactions among campers and staff.
- Skin infections: Conditions like athlete's foot and ringworm thrive in warm and humid environments. Shared showers, swimming pools and athletic equipment can contribute to the spread of these skin infections.
- Insect-borne diseases: Ticks and mosquitoes can transmit diseases like Lyme disease. Campers who spend time outdoors are at a higher risk of exposure to these vectors.
How to Prevent Summer Camp Illnesses
The easiest way to help your child avoid common summer camp illnesses is by teaching them to wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom. When soap and water are not available, teach your child to use hand sanitizer. Choose a colorful and scented one they will enjoy using.
You also want to ensure your child's vaccinations are up to date, including influenza and any recommended vaccines for the camp's location. Vaccinations help protect against serious diseases and reduce the risk of outbreaks.
Additionally:
- Encourage your child to wear flip-flops in communal showers and pool areas to prevent fungal infections
- Pack an EPA-approved insect repellent to protect your child from ticks and mosquitoes
- Educate your child on the potential consequences of sharing their personal items with others
- Managing Common Camp Illnesses
Gastrointestinal Infections
- Stay hydrated: Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Rest: Ensure they get enough rest to help their body recover.
- Isolate: If your child shows symptoms of a stomach bug, keep them away from others to prevent the spread of the illness.
- Contact the camp: Inform camp staff about any contagious illnesses your child has so they can take appropriate measures to prevent an outbreak.
Respiratory Infections
- Rest and hydration: Similar to gastrointestinal infections, plenty of rest and fluids are essential.
- Medical care: If your child shows signs of a severe respiratory illness, especially COVID-19 symptoms, consult a healthcare professional for guidance on testing and treatment.
Skin Infections
- Keep clean: Teach your child to wash and dry their feet and body thoroughly, paying attention to areas prone to infection.
- Ointments and creams: Over-the-counter antifungal or antibacterial creams can help treat mild skin infections.
- Medical attention: If the infection is severe, spreading rapidly or not responding to over-the-counter treatments, consult a doctor.
Insect-Borne Diseases
- Tick checks: Teach your child how to thoroughly check for ticks, especially in hidden areas like underarms, behind knees and the scalp.
- Prompt removal: Explain how they can remove ticks using fine-tipped tweezers. This can be done by grasping it as close to the skin's surface as possible and pulling upward with steady, even pressure.
- Seek medical attention: If you suspect your child has been bitten by a tick or mosquito and develops symptoms like fever, rash or fatigue, consult a doctor promptly.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If your child's illness is severe, persistent or accompanied by symptoms that cause concern, don't hesitate to seek medical attention. These signs might include high fever, difficulty breathing, severe pain or a rapidly worsening condition.
Trust your instincts as a parent and reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance if issues arise.
Does Your Child Need to Be Seen by a Doctor? Contact St. Hope Pediatrics Today
At St. Hope Pediatrics, we specialize in providing comprehensive pediatric care for children residing in the Houston area.
Our skilled and compassionate medical team is here to address your child's medical needs, ensuring their well-being and giving you peace of mind.
Call St. Hope Healthcare today at (713) 778-1300 to schedule a same-day appointment.
Latest News from St. Hope
Changing weather and environmental factors bring new health challenges for children. While many of these issues are common and temporary, they can still be headaches for parents. At St. Hope Pediatrics, we believe prevention and early care are key to navigating seasonal health changes in pediatric care . Colder Weather and Winter When temperatures drop, children tend to spend more time indoors, and that often means more exposure to germs. They’re also in school all winter, spending at least eight hours a day packed in with other kids. Winter ailments can spread like wildfire in those conditions, which is part of why they’re some of the most common. Common Winter Health Challenges ● Colds and flu : Viruses spread more easily in indoor environments with less ventilation, like classrooms. ● Dry skin and eczema flare-ups : Cold air and indoor heating both dry out the skin. ● Asthma aggravation : Cold air can trigger bronchospasms, making asthma worse. ● Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) : Shorter days and less sunlight may impact mood, even in children. Tips for Winter Wellness ● Encourage frequent handwashing and teach them to cover coughs/sneezes. ● Use a humidifier to balance dry indoor air. ● Keep your child’s skin moisturized with fragrance-free lotion. ● Dress them in breathable layers to manage temperature changes. ● Ensure adequate daylight exposure or talk to your doctor about ways to ensure they get adequate vitamin D. Spring Allergies Spring brings beauty, like blooming flowers and budding trees, but also pollen. Seasonal allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever) are extremely common in children and can interfere with sleep, school and outdoor play. Common Spring Health Challenges ● Sneezing, runny noses and itchy eyes. ● Coughing and throat irritation. ● Worsening of asthma symptoms. Tips for Childhood Allergy Management ● Keep windows closed during high-pollen days. ● Make sure they shower and change clothes after outdoor play. ● Consider using an air purifier with a HEPA filter if your child has severe allergy symptoms. ● Talk to your pediatrician about safe antihistamines or allergy testing. The Risks of Summer Heat While summer is a favorite season for many kids, the heat can pose serious health risks if not managed carefully. This is especially important since encouraging your child to go outside and be active is key to their growth and development. Parents should take steps to ensure they can get exercise safely. Common Summer Health Challenges ● Heat exhaustion or heatstroke , especially during intense outdoor activities. ● Sunburn caused by UV rays can damage young skin quickly. ● Dehydration is a constant threat as hot weather increases fluid loss through sweat. ● Insect bites from mosquitoes, ticks and other Texas pests are more common during the summer months. Tips for Summer Safety ● Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) every two hours. ● Encourage frequent water breaks during outdoor play. ● Dress them in light, breathable clothing and hats. ● Use insect repellent and do tick checks after hikes or park visits. Fall Transition: Back to School, Back to Germs Fall brings cooler temperatures and the start of the school year, both of which can increase your child’s exposure to germs and stress. Common Fall Health Challenges ● Colds, coughs and early flu. ● Stomach bugs spreading at school. ● Stress-related symptoms like headaches and sleep changes. Tips for Fall Readiness ● Reinforce good hygiene habits. ● Make sure your child gets a flu shot early in the season. ● Establish a consistent sleep schedule to support immunity. ● Check in on how they’re doing since the transition back to school can be tough for kids. Keep Your Child Healthy Year-Round With Good Immune Support No matter the season, your child’s immune system benefits from good year-round healthy habits: ● A balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. ● Regular physical activity. ● Adequate sleep of between 9 to 12 hours per day, depending on age. ● Staying current on vaccinations. ● Regular check-ups with your pediatrician. Preventive care is one of the best ways to protect your child from seasonal health issues. A well-child visit is an ideal time to discuss allergies, asthma management, immunity and any concerns you have about upcoming seasonal changes. When to Call the Pediatrician ● Cold or allergy symptoms last more than 10 days or worsen. ● Your child has trouble breathing or wheezing. ● Skin issues become inflamed, painful or infected. ● They show signs of persistent or serious dehydration like dry mouth, no tears or dark urine. ● Fever lasts more than a few days or is very high. Our Houston Healthcare Facility Is Here for Your Child Every Season At St. Hope Pediatrics, we know that kids aren’t just small adults. They have unique needs, especially during seasonal transitions. Whether it’s managing seasonal allergies, preventing sunburns, treating coughs or just helping you build a strong health foundation, we’re here to support your family all year long. Call us at (713) 778-1300 or make an appointment here on our website to connect with a Houston pediatric doctor.
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