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Simple Ways to Stay Healthy During Summer Adventures 

Rehab R Abdelfattah, MD, MPH, Director of Infection Prevention and Control  
June 23, 2026

Summer is a time for travel, celebrations, sporting events, and spending time with family and friends. Whether you’re heading out on a road trip, attending a community festival, traveling to a major event like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, or simply enjoying activities closer to home, a few simple health habits can help keep you feeling your best all season long. 

Stay Hydrated and Beat the Heat 

Texas summers can bring extreme temperatures, making hydration especially important. Drinking plenty of water throughout the day can help prevent dehydration, heat exhaustion, and other heat-related illnesses. 

If you’re spending time outdoors: 

  • Drink water regularly, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. 
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. 
  • Be mindful of signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, headaches, nausea, or unusual fatigue. 

Practice Good Hygiene in Crowded Settings 

Large gatherings can increase exposure to common illnesses. Whether you’re attending a sporting event, concert, festival, fan zone, or family reunion, simple hygiene practices can help protect you and those around you. 

Consider these everyday habits: 

  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water. 
  • Use hand sanitizer when handwashing isn’t available. 
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow. 
  • Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. 

Wear a well-fitting mask in very crowded indoor spaces to give you and others extra protection when respiratory illnesses are going around, especially if you have a higher risk of getting seriously ill. 

Stay Up to Date on Routine Preventive Care 

Summer activities can make it easy to postpone healthcare appointments, but preventive care remains important year-round. 

Staying current on recommended vaccinations, annual checkups, and routine screenings can help protect your health and identify potential concerns early. For many people, this may include vaccines for illnesses like COVID‑19, influenza, and measles, especially before traveling or attending large events. Talk with your healthcare provider about which vaccines and preventive services are right for you and your family.

Listen to Your Body 

If you’re not feeling well, it’s important to take care of yourself and avoid exposing others to illness. 

If you develop symptoms such as fever, persistent cough, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea or other concerning symptoms, consider staying home and contacting your healthcare provider. Avoid attending work, school, or large gatherings until you’ve discussed your symptoms with a provider. Seeking care early can help you recover more quickly and prevent illness from spreading. 

Let Your Healthcare Team Know About Recent Travel 

Travel can sometimes affect healthcare decisions. This is especially true during large international events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If you visit a healthcare provider after returning from a trip, be sure to share where you’ve traveled and when. 

This information helps your care team better understand your symptoms, recommend appropriate testing when needed, and provide the best possible care. 

Healthy Habits Make a Difference 

Whether you’re traveling across the country, attending a large event, or enjoying summer activities in your own community, small steps can go a long way toward protecting your health. 

By staying hydrated, practicing good hygiene, keeping up with preventive care, and seeking medical attention when needed, you can help make this summer a healthy and enjoyable one for yourself and your family.