6 Ways to Counter 6 Summer Diseases

To make the summer season safe and enjoyable, the Department of Health (DOH) has issued some important tips on countering at least six summer diseases that are actually preventable.

In a press briefing held on Monday at the DOH’s Media Relations Unit (MRU) in Tayuman, Sta. Cruz, Manila, Health Secretary Janette L. Garin and official spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee-Suy said the six summer diseases are: sore eyes, sun burn, colds and cough, vomiting and diarrhea, skin diseases, and dog bites.

1) For sore eyes, they both emphasized that it is important not to engage in self-medication.

“If mistreated, it can lead to other serious problems. So it is really important to consult an eye doctor,” Dr. Lee-Suy said.

Secretary Garin said that the key in the prevention of sore eyes lies in the observance of proper hygiene.

“Hand-washing can limit its spread,” she added.

2) For sun-burn, Garin said that such can be prevented by doing the outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon wherein the heat of the sun is not at its peak.

She said that it will also help to hide under tree shades or seek cool places.

3) For colds and cough, she advised to strengthen the immune system by taking foods that are rich in vitamin C and Iron.

She also encouraged the senior citizens (those aged 60 years and above) to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season which will begin in June.

4) To avoid vomiting and diarrhea problems, she said avoidance of eating contaminated foods or drinks should be practiced.

“Remember that food spoils easily during the hot summer months. Be sure to always have an oral-rehydration salt solution ready in case one suffers diarrhea,” Secretary Garin said.

She added that it is important to seek consultation to avoid serious consequence of dehydration.

5) For avoidance of skin diseases, she said that a way to prevent these is by refraining to swim in dirty water or unmaintained public swimming pool.

6) For dog bites, she urged pet owners to ensure that their pet dogs are properly vaccinated so that in case that they bite anyone, adverse effects such as infliction of rabies will not happen.

“Remember to keep yourself healthy and safe and let us all have an enjoyable, disease-free, and injury-free summer,” she said. (PNA) SCS/LSJ