When checking the weather during the summer, one of the most frequently observed factors along with temperature is "humidity," which refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air.
Humidity is influenced by the season, temperature, and weather conditions. The summer, which is affected by the long rainy season and the hot, humid North Pacific air mass, is the period with the highest humidity throughout the year.
According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, the annual average humidity in Korea ranges from 59% to 75%, with July and August?the summer months?recording the highest monthly average humidity at 78% to 79%.
Since the optimal humidity for physical health is 40% to 60%, levels above 60% can have various negative effects. Therefore, special caution is needed during the high-humidity summer season.
When exposed to hot environments, the body naturally increases its temperature and sweats to cool down. However, high humidity interferes with sweat evaporation, making it difficult to regulate body temperature.
This is why people feel the heat more intensely on humid days. If body temperature remains high, excessive sweating can lead to dehydration, and in the case of the elderly or those with underlying health conditions, it can result in heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
On humid days, it is advisable to wear light-colored, breathable clothing and maintain hydration by drinking plenty of fluids. If you sweat a lot, replenish electrolytes with sports drinks or similar beverages.
Outdoor exercise should be avoided as much as possible. If unavoidable, opt for cooler times such as early morning or evening. Take care not to let your body temperature rise too much during outdoor activities, and if you experience any abnormal symptoms, immediately rest and hydrate in a cool place.
Although invisible to the naked eye, mold spores are always present in indoor and outdoor air. When humidity rises, they multiply easily, and inhaling these spores can trigger inflammatory reactions, leading to asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, or allergic diseases.
Since the optimal indoor humidity is 40% to 60%, use dehumidifiers, air conditioners, or dehumidifying agents to control humidity, and ventilate naturally during the morning and evening.
Check for any water leaks, pay special attention to cleaning areas with high moisture such as bathrooms and kitchens, and keep them dry by wiping with a dry towel after use.
Bacteria can also multiply easily, so maintain strict personal hygiene, wash fresh ingredients thoroughly, cook food immediately after washing, ensure proper heating during cooking, and pay attention to how you use and store tableware.
If you experience symptoms of enteritis such as diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain after eating, make sure to stay hydrated to prevent dehydration. It is best to fast and rest until symptoms subside, but if symptoms worsen or if you develop a high fever or bloody stools, seek medical attention promptly.
Hwang Hyerim, Director of the Comprehensive Health Check-up Center at Daedong Hospital (Family Medicine Specialist), said, "High humidity increases the discomfort index and has significant physical and mental effects, so it is important to manage humidity in daily life. If you feel unwell, take a break and rest, but if recovery takes too long, rather than blaming the weather, visit a nearby medical facility and seek help from a specialist."
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