Greece warns of summer health hazards for children and families

Greek health experts highlight several summer dangers that can threaten children and the wider public. Drowning and near‑drowning are the leading risk for children aged 1‑4, requiring constant adult supervision, pool fencing and life‑saving equipment, as the World Health Organization notes the issue is often underestimated. Heat‑related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke frequently affect infants, toddlers and athletes exercising in high temperatures; warning signs include intense fatigue, headache, dizziness, cramps, vomiting, confusion or fever, and immediate medical attention is advised. Dehydration and gastroenteritis are common in hot weather, especially after travel or poor food storage; signs include reduced urine output, dry mouth, lethargy and rapid heartbeat, and oral rehydration solutions are recommended. Other seasonal problems include swimmer’s ear, severe insect stings and allergic reactions, and external ear infections should be treated with topical antibiotics.

Additional guidance covers safe physical activity—prefer early‑morning or late‑evening workouts, stay in shade, reduce intensity, take frequent breaks, use cool water on the body and allow gradual acclimatization. Proper hydration is essential, with a general target of 30‑35 ml of water per kilogram of body weight per day, increased during heatwaves. Finally, food safety advice warns that certain items—cut melons, cooked rice, boiled eggs, mayonnaise‑based salads, cooked meats, soft cheeses and pre‑cut vegetables—spoil rapidly in warm conditions; they should be kept at 4 °C or lower, stored in shallow containers, and discarded if left out beyond two hours (one hour in extreme heat).