Summer is often thought of as a healthier, more active time of year with longer days, holidays, time outdoors and a break from routine.

But it also brings its own set of health challenges, from heat-related illness and dehydration to travel disruptions and seasonal allergies.

Knowing what to look out for, and where to get support quickly, can make a real difference.

This guide brings together practical advice for staying well over the summer months, along with information on local services that can help when you need them.

Staying safe in hot weather

When temperatures rise, the body works harder to stay cool. This can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and, in severe cases, heatstroke.

Early signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, headaches, heavy sweating, tiredness and feeling faint. If untreated, this can progress quickly.

Simple steps can reduce risk:

• Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest part of the day
• Wear loose, light clothing and a hat outdoors
• Keep indoor spaces cool by closing blinds and windows during peak heat

Older adults, young children and people with long-term conditions are particularly vulnerable. Some medications can also affect how the body regulates temperature or fluid balance.

If you’re unsure whether a medicine could increase your risk in hot weather, a pharmacist can provide quick, practical advice.

Preparing for holidays and travel

Whether you’re travelling abroad or staying in the UK, a little preparation helps avoid common holiday health problems.

Key things to consider:

• Make sure repeat prescriptions are ordered in advance
• Pack enough medication for your whole trip, plus a little extra
• Check if you need travel vaccinations or malaria prevention
• Take a basic travel health kit (pain relief, antihistamines, rehydration sachets, plasters)

Stomach bugs, sunburn, insect bites and travel sickness are among the most common issues during summer trips.

Many pharmacies now offer travel health clinics, helping you prepare with the right vaccinations and advice before you go. This can save time and reduce last-minute stress before a trip.

Hay fever, allergies and asthma flare-ups

Summer pollen levels can make life difficult for people with hay fever or asthma. Symptoms such as sneezing, itchy eyes, coughing, and wheezing can affect sleep, concentration and daily comfort.

To help manage symptoms:

• Monitor pollen forecasts and plan outdoor time accordingly
• Shower and change clothes after being outside
• Keep windows closed in high pollen periods
• Use prescribed or over-the-counter treatments consistently rather than only when symptoms become severe

If symptoms are not improving, or asthma is worsening, it’s important to seek advice early rather than waiting for them to escalate.

Minor illnesses and the role of your pharmacy

Summer often brings minor but uncomfortable health problems such as insect bites, sore throats, urinary tract infections, earaches and skin irritations.

Many of these conditions can be treated quickly without a GP appointment.

Under the NHS Pharmacy First approach, pharmacists can assess and treat a range of common conditions and, where needed, supply prescription medication directly. This provides faster access to care and helps reduce pressure on GP services.

Pharmacists are also a valuable first point of contact for advice on:

• Choosing the right over-the-counter treatments
• Managing recurring conditions
• Checking symptoms that may need further medical attention

For people with busy schedules, caring responsibilities or limited mobility, some local pharmacies also offer prescription delivery services, helping ensure essential medicines arrive on time.

Looking after your mental wellbeing

While summer is often associated with socialising and activity, it can also be a difficult time for some people. Routine changes, financial pressures, childcare demands, or feelings of isolation can all affect mental wellbeing.

Staying connected with others, maintaining a basic routine and making time for rest are all important. Community groups, outdoor activities and local support services can also provide valuable social contact.

If low mood or anxiety is affecting daily life, support is available through your GP, local mental health services and community organisations.

Knowing where to get help

It’s not always easy to know which service to turn to when you’re unwell. As a general guide:

Pharmacist: Minor illnesses, medication advice, repeat prescriptions, urgent but non-emergency conditions

GP: Ongoing health issues, chronic conditions or symptoms that don’t improve

NHS 111: Medical advice when you’re unsure where to go

Urgent care or A&E: Serious or life-threatening symptoms