Open a window or door and you’ll know – summer is here. For many it means having the opportunity to take a break and just relax. Maybe even go on vacation. For others, it’s nothing more than extra hassle when commuting to work.
Along with the heat comes a variety of diseases that plague the masses. There’s no need to worry as with the numerous list of drugstores in the Philippines, you’ll find the right medicine for any disease that you contract while basking in the extreme heat of summer. At least you have a backup plan! The first plan is to take preventative measures against any sort of sickness.
Here are some common summer diseases and the things you can do to prevent yourself from contracting them.
Sore Eyes
In the Philippines, we call this sore eyes, but in most countries, it’s often called pink eye. The medical term is conjunctivitis because it happens when the outer part of the eyeball and the innermost surface of the eyelid becomes inflamed. The most common cause for pink eye is a viral infection, but bacteria and allergies can also trigger it.
When a person’s eye is infected with the pink eye, the white part takes on a pinkish or reddish hue. It is often accompanied with pain, itchiness, a burning sensation, and increased discharge of fluid from the infected eye. Most symptoms show themselves 2-3 days after contraction, and the duration of having pink eye can last up to two weeks.
To avoid this pesky infection, always wash your hands with soap and water before you touch your face or eyes. Objects that are used on the face and eyes such as towels, make-up, glasses, and contact lenses should be cleaned regularly and not shared with others.
Upset Stomach
Diarrhea is something that can be contracted any time of the year, but summertime increases the probability. This is due to the hot temperature causing food to spoil faster when not stored properly. Anytime someone consumes food that is spoiled or contaminated by harmful bacteria, diarrhea and food poisoning are the most common outcomes.
The main symptom of diarrhea is obviously having loose and watery bowel movements. Other symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, vomiting, and discomfort in the abdominal area. Treatment can be done by letting your body discharge the bacteria that causes it – basically, just ride it out. Drink a lot of water as diarrhea can lead to dehydration.
Save yourself the trouble of having to stay no more than two feet from the toilet by ensuring that food preparation is clean, tidy, and safe. Make sure that food is stored properly. Proper hand washing also helps.
Sunburn
One of the most common conditions that a person can acquire during summer, extreme sunburn can be risky due to its potential to cause skin cancer or melanoma. A person can acquire sunburn from direct, prolonged, and unprotected exposure to sunlight. You’ll know you’ve got sunburn if after exposure skin turns red.
Reddening of the skin with eventual peeling is a sign of having a first-degree burn. The pain that come with it can be reduced by having cold baths and regular application of moisturizer or lotion. If there are blisters around the sunburned area, seek medical attention because this is a sign of second-degree burns.
Ways you can prevent sunburn is by avoiding going out unprotected between the times of 10AM-2PM, because this is when the UV rays of the sun is at its peak. Rub on sunblock with SPF to protect your skin and prevent subsequent UV damage 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Wear caps, hats, sunglasses, and other clothing items that can help prevent direct sun exposure on the skin.
Treating an ailment or condition can be costly and a hassle. With the right prevention skills and techniques, you’ll be saving yourself from a lot of pain, hassle, and money-spending.