To enjoy the summer to the fullest, there are simple ways to protect yourself from summertime woes. Find all the tips and tricks.
Sunburn
During the summer, it is important to be well protected from the sun and ultraviolet (UV) rays. Read the following page to learn more:
Oppressive heat
During waves of oppressive or extreme heat, it is harder for your body to cool and maintain its temperature within normal limits. During these waves, your health may deteriorate rapidly. To prevent the effects of oppressive and extreme heat, keep well hydrated, cool off by swimming or staying in air-conditioned areas, reduce physical effort and pay particular attention to babies and children. For further details, and to know about all precautions to take, read the following pages:
Bathing waters
Certain precautions must also be taken when bathing, whether doing so along beaches, lakes or rivers. Bathing waters can be contaminated by microorganisms (blue-green algae and other bacteria, viruses, parasites) or by various pollutants that can lead to health problems. To learn more, consult the following pages:
Health problems associated with bathing waters- Preventing health problems associated with bathing waters
- Preventing health problems associated with blue-green algae
Toxic and allergenic plants
In Québec, 1 in 8 people suffers from seasonal rhinitis, more commonly known as hay fever. This allergic reaction is caused by exposure to pollens, especially ragweed. Some symptoms of hay fever can affect the quality of life of people who are allergic. Other plants can also cause allergic reactions or burns when touched. Learn more about hay fever, ragweed, poison ivy and giant hogweed by consulting the following pages:
- Seasonal rhinitis (hay fever)
- Identifying and limiting the presence of ragweed
- Allergic reactions caused by poison ivy
- Identifying and getting rid of poison ivy
- Burns caused by giant hogweed
- Identifying and getting rid of giant hogweed
Carbon monoxyde
No matter where you vacation — in a cottage, hunting or fishing lodge, recreational vehicle, or tent — the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning is very real. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless toxic gas that can causepermanent damage and even death. PROTECT YOURSELF!
How do I prevent carbon monoxide poisoning?Bed bugs and diseases transmitted by mosquito bites
To learn more about bedbugs and the precautions to take during a move, go to the following pages:
To know about protection measures and to reduce the number of mosquitoes in your surroundings, read the following page:
Lyme disease is caused by bacteria transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Ticks are particularly present in forests, woodlands and tall grasses in several Québec regions. To avoid tick bites, follow simple measures to protect yourself. For complete details, read the following page:
Vaccination
The summer holidays are often associated with going on trips or travelling, which increases the risk of exposure to certain diseases that can be prevented by vaccination. Travel health clinics are available at some medical clinics or pharmacies. To find out what to do to get vaccinated and for advice about vaccination, go to the following pages: