Just before you pack your bags and ask yourself where can I find vehicle magnets, please read the following summer diseases and conditions that can affect one’s health:
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. Health experts advise not to use eye drops without consulting a doctor.
Sunburn can be prevented if you time your outdoor activities. Outdoor activities must be done in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid the sun between 10am-2pm. Hide in the shade or seek cool places to prevent ill-effects of too much sun exposure.
Use sunscreen appropriately like choosing a product that retards against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least an SPF30, applying them 30 minutes before actual sun exposure and not sparingly at best, and also reapplying if exposure will be extended and not sparing the ears and nape areas nor the feet.
Avoid heat stroke by drinking 8-12 glasses of water a day. Remember not to stay under the sun too long. Holy week penitents can also benefit from these tips.
Cough and colds easily spreads even during the summer months as erratic weather bring sudden downpour from time to time. Senior citizens are advised to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June.
Gastroenteritis is caused by consumption of contaminated food or drinks. This summer, be cautious of street foods and even with those prepared for out-of-town trips. Remember that food spoils easily during hot summer months. Always have oral rehydration salt solution at hand just in case you get bad diarrhea.
Skin disease is another common summer disease in areas where water becomes scarce so that daily bathing is compromised.
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.
Dog bite can lead to rabies if wounds are not washed and cared for. Make sure dogs are vaccinated against rabies. If you sustain dog bites, visit the animal bite center to get rabies vaccination.
Source: DOH