The rainy season is here and sooner or later, people will once again put on their face masks, frequent the nearest pharmacy and isolate to not spread their symptoms and illnesses.
It’s a common scenario when the weather changes in the Philippines. From colds and flu to the often-deadly malaria, leptospirosis and dengue, these diseases can be avoided and treated.
COLDS & FLU
Catching a cold can be troublesome since it has almost the same symptoms as COVID-19. Some may even be scared when a friend or an officemate gets the sniffles – a reminder of what had happened during the pandemic.
Viruses like the flu are common when the weather shifts as they attack the respiratory system. Though it is not life-threatening, it can still lead to some serious complications when not treated properly.
TREATMENT
Colds are managed by keeping your body at a normal temperature. Taking your prescribed medicine religiously will hasten your recovery while having sponge baths allows your body to cool down.
Drinking Vitamin C also boosts the immune system and should be strong enough to protect you from colds and flu.
DENGUE & MALARIA
Dengue and Malaria are also common since the mosquitos that carry the virus breed rainy season. Most dengue cases can be found in urban areas. It is not fatal to adults, but it can be a serious issue for children and the elderly.
Meanwhile, malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by a parasite. It spreads mainly on the bite of an infected mosquito, which is usually found in tropical countries.
While it is preventable, children, pregnant women and travelers are at higher risk of severe infection.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Keeping your surroundings clean is one way to prevent dengue. Sweep your gutters and throw any water from containers destroy the breeding ground of mosquitos that carry the virus.
Malaria is managed by using insect repellant, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when going outside and avoiding mosquito breeding sites.
HEPATITIS A
Hepatitis A is a disease caused by contaminated food due to improper food handling and preparation. Also known as HAV, it is transmitted through the ingestion of dirty food or water or through direct contact with an infected person.
HOW AVOID IT
Proper hygiene is the best way to prevent Hepatitis A. Proper handwashing and waste disposal should be strictly enforced especially to those who are handling food.
If a family member has HAV, separate their utensils and sanitize them with care.
LEPTOSPIROSIS
This water-borne disease is contracted by having open wounds exposed to the urine of infected animals like rats. This is common in areas that are prone to flooding. Children are mostly susceptible to contracting complications like respiratory problems, meningitis, and liver failure which can be fatal if not treated immediately.
HOW TO AVOID IT
Wear rubber boots when going outdoors in flooded locations and avoid wading in floodwater if you have exposed wounds or broken skin.
It is also best not to store water in drums and containers without lids. Homeowners are likewise advised to eliminate rodents using traps or poison and dispose of them carefully with proper protective equipment.
