With Summer in full gear, there are always hazards to be aware of when it comes to bug bites, sunburn, and preventing infections like swimmer's ear. For summer when it comes to bug bites; mosquitos, gnats,  and other insects that can cause bites and stings. Melinda Cooling, an OSF Healthcare vice president for urgent care says that severe bug bites should be seen by a medical professional.

West Nile Virus can also be transmitted through infected mosquito bites can cause flu-like symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, body aches, and skin rash. 

Sunburn can also poise a potential issue. 95% of all radiation from the sun is ultraviolet rays. These rays can cause cancer and you should wear sunscreen with at least 30 SPF protection reapplying it every two hours. It takes only 15 minutes to get a sunburn. Cooling says you should suggest medical attention if the skin is more than just hot to the touch.

Drinking water in hot weather can help prevent dehydration.

One last area that Cooling talked about was preventing ear pain such as infections called swimmers ear. This infection happens when water remains in your outer ear canal.

As always in case of an emergency dial 9-1-1 or visit your local health physician.