5 summer infections urgent care can help treat

When summer arrives, so do a unique set of health risks. The combination of heat, humidity, and outdoor activities creates ideal conditions for infections to thrive, especially those affecting the skin, ears, digestive system, and respiratory tract.

Whether it's a swimmer's ear from a day at the pool, a heat rash from sweaty afternoons, or a stomach bug picked up from undercooked barbecue, these infections tend to spike in the warmer months. Add in the increased risk of insect bites, food spoilage, and exposure to bacteria in lakes or oceans, and it's easy to see why urgent care visits often increase during summer. Thankfully, many of these seasonal infections can be quickly evaluated and treated at urgent care clinics, offering fast relief without the wait of an emergency room.

1. Swimmer’s ear (Otitis externa)

Swimmer’s ear is an outer ear canal infection, commonly triggered by trapped water after swimming or bathing. The warm, moist environment encourages bacteria or fungi to grow, leading to irritation and infection.

Symptoms to watch for

• Itchy or red ear canal
• Clear or yellowish fluid drainage
• Pain that worsens when pulling on the ear
• A full sensation or mild hearing loss

How urgent care can help

Urgent care providers can examine your ear with an otoscope to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment often includes prescription antibiotics or antifungal ear drops, and if necessary, gentle cleaning of the ear canal to remove debris and discharge.

When to visit urgent care

Seek medical attention if the pain becomes severe, symptoms persist despite home care, or you develop a fever—these may be signs the infection is spreading or worsening.

2. Skin infections from insect bites and stings

Insect bites and stings from mosquitoes, ticks, or flies can break the skin and introduce bacteria. Scratching the area further increases the risk of infections like cellulitis or impetigo.

Symptoms to look out for

• Redness, swelling, and warmth around the bite

• Pus or fluid drainage

• Red streaks moving away from the bite site

How urgent care can help

Clinicians can diagnose common skin infections and prescribe oral or topical antibiotics as needed. They’ll also provide instructions on how to clean and care for the wound to prevent further complications.

When to visit urgent care

Head to urgent care if the bite becomes increasingly red or painful, if you develop a fever or chills, or if the infection appears to be spreading beyond the original area.

3. Food poisoning from summer picnics and BBQs

Foodborne illnesses often stem from undercooked meats, unrefrigerated dishes, or cross-contamination at outdoor events. Bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli thrive in warm temperatures, making summer gatherings a common source.

Symptoms to recognize

• Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
• Abdominal pain, bloating, or cramps
• Fever and general weakness

How urgent care can help

Providers can evaluate the severity of symptoms, especially signs of dehydration. Treatment may include oral rehydration or IV fluids, along with medications to reduce nausea and diarrhea for faster recovery.

When to visit urgent care

Seek care if symptoms are intense or last more than a day or two, especially if you're experiencing dehydration, high fever, or bloody stools. These may indicate a more serious infection that needs medical attention.

4. Heat rash and heat-related skin infections

Heat rash occurs when sweat gets trapped under the skin due to blocked sweat ducts. It’s especially common in hot, humid weather and frequently affects children, athletes, or anyone exposed to prolonged heat.

Symptoms to watch for

• Tiny red or itchy bumps on the skin
• Blisters or pus-filled bumps in more severe cases
• Pain, warmth, or tenderness around the rash

How urgent care can help

Clinicians can determine whether the rash is a simple irritation or has developed into a bacterial infection. Treatment may include topical steroids or antibiotic ointments, along with guidance on keeping the area dry and cool to promote healing.

When to visit urgent care

Visit urgent care if the rash spreads, becomes increasingly painful, or shows signs of infection, such as yellow discharge or fever—these may indicate a more serious skin condition.

5. Respiratory infections from summer allergens

Summer allergens like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites can trigger respiratory symptoms, especially in people with asthma or seasonal allergies. High humidity can worsen the problem by encouraging mold growth indoors and out.

Symptoms to monitor

• Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy or watery eyes
• Coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or discomfort

How urgent care can help

Urgent care centers can perform spirometry to check lung function, prescribe rescue or maintenance inhalers, and offer corticosteroids or allergy medications to ease symptoms and prevent escalation.

When to visit urgent care

Seek care if you experience persistent wheezing, difficulty breathing, or symptoms that don’t improve with OTC treatments. A fever may signal a secondary respiratory infection that needs medical attention.

Tips to prevent summer infections

Preventing summer infections starts with a few simple habits:

• Staying well-hydrated helps your body regulate temperature and maintain healthy skin, which serves as your first line of defense against bacteria.
• Good hand hygiene—especially before eating or after being outdoors—reduces the risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.
• Don’t share towels, swimwear, or other personal items to avoid skin infections, as these can transfer bacteria or fungi.
• Keep perishable foods properly chilled or heated when enjoying outdoor meals to prevent foodborne illnesses.
• Wear insect repellent and protective clothing to ward off insect-related infections, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
• Lastly, protect your skin with sunscreen to reduce the risk of sunburn and related heat rashes, which can become infected if irritated.

Together, these small precautions can go a long way in keeping you healthy all summer long.

Find urgent care near you for summer health issues

From swimmer’s ear or a bug bite to food poisoning or a heat rash—use Solv to find and book a nearby urgent care center quickly.