Protection for the rainy days

The wet season can be menacing. The rain can suddenly pour and send us into a panic. People immediately think of impassable floods and carmaggedons and would thus, thoughtlessly run under the rain or walk through murky waters just to get home quickly. Days after, pesky and dangerous mosquitoes would swarm, finding goldilocks areas for breeding. We must deal with these perennial problems expertly to avoid more serious issues.

Floodwater

You may have waded through disease-carrying water. Floodwater may cause skin infections, gastrointestinal illnesses and leptospirosis, among others. In general, avoid wading through floodwater. When unavoidable, take a thorough bath with soap and clean water ASAP. Apply special care on open wounds and be on guard for redness or swelling. When itching develops, dilute apple cider vinegar in water and apply to the area or take an oatmeal bath.

Mosquitoes

Vector-borne diseases like dengue and malaria can be a cause for worry. One way to steer clear of these is by repelling mosquitoes with lotions or sprays. There are natural ways to drive them out, too. Prepare sprays with the essence of garlic, camphor and lavender, or decorate spaces with basils and citronella—all of which mosquitoes hate. Do the search-and-destroy method—look for and eliminate possible breeding sites, from gutters to bottles and tires lying around.

Colds and flu

Wet, cold and stressed after a frenzied run, one’s immune system weakens. The body is further compromised when the person stays in colder areas or gets exposed to sudden weather changes. Prevent colds and flu by sticking to healthy lifestyle choices like exercise and good nutrition. Also reduce stress levels, get enough sleep and avoid vices. When you already feel under the weather, change into comfortable clothes, slow down and hydrate to help your body cope. Ease a stuffy nose with a salt-water rinse. Soothe your throat with mint tea. Address body pains with a hot compress.

Stay self-aware

Tune in to your body, especially as COVID-19 can take advantage of your rainy-day sickness. If you want to seek medical attention the soonest, install Medicard Philippine’s MACE App. The platform allows you to request a consultation with doctors anytime, anywhere right in the comfort of your home.