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Heat and humidity during the summer season (June to mid-September) can cause dehydration, so be sure to drink at least two quarts (two liters) of fluids (preferably water) each day, and wear a wide-brimmed hat and airy clothes. Not only does too much sun result in nasty burns, but it can also cause sun poisoning. Use a sunscreen with a high protection factor. And as much as Disney and Universal want to erase blood-sucking flies and mosquitoes, they can’t, so remember to use insect repellent in summer.

This is the number to call for emergency health matters and for immediate police or fire assistance.

Ask at your hotel or resort reception for the nearest hospital. Make sure you have some kind of insurance, otherwise hospital costs can be crippling. All of the major parks have first-aid clinics for minor ailments.

Most pharmacists are happy to give you first aid advice, as well as advice regarding how to take medicines. Most pharmacies are not open 24 hours, but pharmacists will usually give advice over the phone so call a Walgreens or a CVS Pharmacy, which are usually open 24 hours. (see Useful Addresses).

House calls are a thing of the past in most US cities, but the tourist areas in Orlando have two services that make house and hotel-room calls. Doctors on Call Service and Centra Care In-Room Services cover most of the areas from Downtown south to Disney and Kissimmee.

Centra Care (affiliated with the Florida Hospital) has walk-in clinics scattered throughout Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties (see Useful Addresses). These clinics can handle minor emergencies (broken limbs, cuts requiring stitches, and fevers), but not life-threatening situations, for which you should call 911.

Several drug stores sell over-the-counter and prescription drugs around the clock (see Useful Addresses). Additional pharmacies, with regular hours, are listed in the Yellow Pages.

This nationwide, toll-free service helps people to find the nearest suitable dentist. The telephones are answered 8am–8pm Monday–Friday; the automated answering service informs callers of the website then puts them on hold to speak to an operator. Those who prefer to choose for themselves, or anyone needing 24-hour aid, should use the Yellow Pages (or (see Useful Addresses)).

This 24-hour hotline can and has saved lives. Operators can help deal with a problem, summon rescuers, and answer questions. But, don’t overlook 911 for any emergency situation.

While it shouldn’t be used for emergencies, this tourism-funded group can provide basic information about medical services and assistance throughout the state. It also has a range of other services, including assistance with lost credit cards and documents, help with accidents, directions, and more. Operators can help in more than 150 languages.