Staying safe and healthy during the rainy season

07/20/2008

This is the season of typhoons and sudden downpours. The rainy season also coincides with the beginning of the new school year which will see our kids go back to school. The good news is that with the rainy season upon us, our kids need not contend with the hot, humid weather which can make sitting in class an ordeal. The cooler temperatures make going back to school more comfortable for them.

The rains also bring a host of health problems that may cause them to get sick and miss their classes. Knowing what these are and how to avoid them could help keep your child from getting sick and in the process, miss school.

Flu (‘trangkaso’). This is characterized by high fevers, joint and muscle pains, cough and colds often requiring long bed rest. When this happens, bring your child to a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Also, make sure that your child gets lots of rest, lots of vitamin C and fluids. It is also advisable to have them get their flu shots to protect them against this rainy season malady.

Acute Gastroenteritis/Diarrhea. This is caused water-borne bacteria that contaminate drinking water. Low water pressure and leaky water pipes contaminate water supplies and cause diarrhea. While diarrhea alone is not fatal; dehydration can be if not treated right away. If this happen, give your child re-hydration salts to replenish lost electrolytes. It is also important to administer the proper medication to stop diarrhea. Make sure to also have all your water pipes checked and fixed regularly. Hand washing is very important.

Dengue. The most dangerous of these is dengue fever, which is characterized by high fever and nose bleeding. This is caused by the Tiger mosquito which is the chief carrier of the dengue virus. If you suspect your child has dengue fever, bring him/her to the hospital for proper treatment. Dengue fever is not fatal if proper medication is administered immediately. To avoid dengue fever, make sure that you remove containers with standing water which is the common breeding grounds of the mosquitoes’ larva. Also remember to keep your surroundings clean at all times.

Lastly, don’t forget to have your immunized your kids regularly so that they won’t get sick and will have a productive school year.

Visit www.healthway.com.ph for more information about how you can protect your child this wet season.

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