ILOILO CITY, March 24 (PIA) — With the summer officially here, the Department of Health (DOH) on alerted the public against six common diseases and conditions during the hottest time of the year.
“This year, the Holy Week signals the start of summer vacation activities, thus, we are urging the public to keep themselves healthy and fit in the midst of their busy schedules,” said the DOH in a media release.
According to the DOH, there are six common summer diseases or conditions (6S) that can adversely affect one’s health. These are sore eyes, sunburn, “sipon at ubo” (flu), “suka at tae” (stomact ailments), “sakit sa balat” (skin diseases), and “sakmal ng aso” (rabies).
Sore eyes or conjunctivitis, when mistreated, can lead to blindness. More than just eye irritation, it can easily be due to harmful bacteria or viruses that easily spread to other people.
Hand washing can limit its spread and health experts advise not to use eye drops without consulting a doctor.
Sunburn can be prevented if you hold your outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid direct exposure to sun between 10 am- 3 pm. Hide in the shade or seek cool places to prevent the ill-effects of too much sun exposure.
Likewise, use sunscreen appropriately, like choosing a product that retards against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least an SPF30, applying it 30 minutes before actual sun exposure. Re-apply if exposure will be extended and do not forget the ears, nape areas and feet.
Heat stroke is a more serious consequence of too much exposure to sun. This can be avoided by drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day. Holy Week penitents can also benefit from these tips.
“Sipon at ubo” easily spreads even during the summer months, as erratic weather bring sudden downpours from time to time. Senior citizens are advised to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June.
“Sakit sa balat” is another common summer disease in areas where water becomes scarce and that daily bathing is compromised. Usually, inmates in crowded prisons suffer boils due to heat and congestion.
Also, skin diseases abound when one swims in dirty water or unmaintained public swimming pools. Remember to take a bath before and after plunging into the pool and please do not urinate in the pool. However, the real danger in swimming is drowning. Children should not be left alone in the pool or beach.
“Sakmal ng aso” can lead to rabies if wounds are not washed and cared for properly. Make sure dogs are vaccinated against rabies.
If a person sustains dog bites, clean the wound with running water and soap. Then, visit the animal bite center to get rabies vaccination immediately. (JCM/LTP/DOH/PIA-Iloilo).
