How not to get sick during the wet season

Despite PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) announcement that it’s not yet rainy season—the rains that dropped the past few days were mere drizzles—we might as well prepare ourselves for its imminent arrival, which means getting ready for the common diseases it brings.

With more rainfall, it’s not just water that’s going to flood our lives, but also diseases. A few of the very common diseases of this season are cough, cold, flu, dengue, diarrhea, leptospirosis and pneumonia.

Dengue cases in the Philippines may have declined by 51 percent from January to April this year—18,611 cases were recorded compared to 38,087 cases  in the same period last year—but this does not mean it will no longer increase in the coming months.

With rains getting more frequent, the barangay or neighborhood should now make a concerted effort toward proper garbage disposal (of discarded tires, plastic containers, empty bottles) as well as keeping drainage system clean, with water running through them, otherwise mosquitoes can breed in the stagnant waters.

Dengue symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, rash, and pain in the eyes, joints, and muscles. In severe cases, symptoms may include intense stomach pain, repeated vomiting, bleeding from the nose or gums, and death.

No wading

With sudden downpour that could overwhelm drainage system, discourage children from playing and walking in flood waters to avoid leptospirosis, an infection usually transmitted by exposure of unhealed blisters and open wounds to water contaminated with rat urine. This bacterial infection causes enlargement of the spleen, jaundice (causes one’s skin and the whites of eyes to turn yellow) and nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).

This early, ensure that you and your family are not in close contact with someone who is suffering from a viral infection. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to weather changes and infections, so keep them at home for a few days if you know that their friends are suffering from an illness.

Encourage them to wash their hands with soap regularly before eating anything and after visiting the toilet. If they are already coughing or sneezing, remind them to cover their mouth.

With flooding already expected in the coming weeks, contamination of water sources is an imminent treat. If you suspect that your water source is prone to contamination, ensure the safety of your drinking water by boiling it to avoid diarrhea.

Diarrhea lasting more than two days may be a sign of a more serious problem. One should not take diarrhea for granted because it could cause dehydration that drains your body of precious fluid and electrolytes—chemicals in salts, including sodium, potassium and chloride—that help you function properly.

If you are not careful and unprepared to deal with these ailments and diseases, it can be a pain to you as well as your loved ones. From simple prescriptions to complicated operations, there is no denying that these common sicknesses are sure to affect your financial condition.