Feel the burn?!
Yeah, that’s the vaunted Philippine summer that’s the envy of the world.
But the summer is not all bright and sunshine-y. Just as there are booboos that hit in the wet season, there are also maladies cropping up this time of the year. From sore eyes to measles, you or a loved one can suddenly fall victim to these.
In this post, we check out what these diseases are and look into the best ways to protect against them.
1) Asthma
According to the World Health Organization, 1 out of 10 Filipinos is suffering from asthma.
If you’re one of them, and if you’re noticing that your asthma gets worse in the summer, it might be because of the plants and flora that bloom in season. You could be responding to the pollens in the air this time of the year.
But that’s just half the story. In addition to naturally-occurring irritants, summertime’s signature heat and humidity can often trigger episodes and attacks. That’s because breathing hot air can cause the narrowing of the nasal passages resulting in shortness of breath and coughing.
So to all “hikains,” limit your exposure to the outdoors and the heat.
2) Sore Eyes
Sore eyes are red, itchy, and come with a burning sensation.
Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and is viral or bacterial in nature. It can easily jump from one person to another, quickly infecting whole households even. It can spread by touching infected surfaces and subsequently touching one’s eye. Public pools, where Filipinos love to congregate, are some of the places where these bacteria and viruses can be picked up.
Eye allergies, styes, and dry eyes are just some of the other eye-related conditions that are rife in the summer months.
The sun’s intense rays can cause irritation and damage to your vision. So sunglasses are recommended.
3) Sunburn and Rashes
Yes, vitamin D is a benefit for catching the sun. But overexposure to UV can bake the skin, resulting in a red or brownish area that’s hot and painful to the touch. A sunburn might be your souvenir from your day at the beach. Not good.
Another skin condition, mostly associated with babies, but certainly not limited to them, are heat rashes. Sometimes called “prickly heat,” these are itchy, red patches of skin that are the results of blocked sweat ducts. The sweat cannot escape to the surface and evaporate, so they form tiny red blisters and bumps.
The last thing you want to do is scratch them, but boy are they itchy!
4) Heatstroke
Unaddressed, heat can inflict a lot of stress and damage to the body. These can take the form of heat cramps where the low salt levels in the muscles cause them to act up, to heat exhaustion, where an excessive amount of sweating results in dizziness, nausea, weakness, and headache.
The most fatal is heatstroke. That’s when the body’s control mechanisms fail to regulate body temperature, so the body is overheating and reaches temperatures above 40°C.
Symptoms of heatstroke include:
confusion, disorientation
rapid heart rate
rapid but shallow breathing
hot, dry skin
vomiting
seizures
The individual could slip into a coma. In the worst cases, heatstroke is fatal and is responsible for a number of deaths in the Philippines.
Heatstroke is a medical emergency and the individual should immediately be brought to the hospital. Everything necessary should be done to lower temperature, including placing ice packs on armpits, ankles, and groin.
5) Cough, Fever, and Flu
Although there are lower chances of the flu in the hot summer months (as viruses tend to be mostly inactive during this time), it doesn’t mean one can’t get sick.
The rapid back-and-forth changes in the weather, with heatwaves suddenly giving way to a heavy downpour, can lead to colds and cough.
Summer outdoor activities don’t only expose people to the weather, but also to other people who may be sick. By being out, you are more exposed to irritants, infections, insect bites, and stresses that impact your immune system.
6) Mumps
Scientists in Taiwan have discovered a connection between mump cases and high temperatures.
Mumps is a viral disease characterized by a painful swelling around the jaw, in front of the ear—making the individual, usually a child, have puffy cheeks. (Because that’s about where the concerned organ, the parotid gland responsible for saliva production, is located.)
Mumps is a contagious disease and spread very even before symptoms show up. They are passed much like colds and flu, via droplets in the air or on infected surfaces which are then touched.
7) Measles
Measles is another very contagious respiratory tract infection that causes total-body rashes. The red spots usually first appear on the forehead, spread to the rest of the face, then down to the rest of the body. The individual also suffers from a fever, red eyes, hacking cough, and runny nose.
There’s still no treatment for measles. One can simply alleviate the symptoms and let the disease run its course. There is however a highly effective vaccine for it!
8) Chicken Pox
The Chicken Pox fills the body with itchy blisters that last from 1-2 weeks. Avoid scratching them because they will scar and the dark spots will stay with you for years to come.
Besides the incredibly itchy blisters (which resemble chicken skin, hence the name), the infected individual suffers from headaches, loss of appetite, fever, and lethargy.
Chicken Pox is very contagious and will remain so until all the spots have dried and crusted over.
9) Rabies
The Philippines has one of the highest incidences of rabies in the world. According to the DOH, the Philippines treats about 100,000 dog bites annually.
Rabies passes from animals to humans via the saliva in the bites and infects the central nervous system. One should get immediate medical attention if you think you might have been exposed to rabies.
Initial symptoms of rabies are flu-like and include fever, headache, and weakness. The spot of the bite has prickling and itching sensations. In a matter of days, cerebral dysfunctions like insomnia, delirium, difficulty in swallowing, and hydrophobia set in. When these symptoms appear, rabies is almost always fatal.
10) Diarrhea
Food doesn’t last very long in hot and humid conditions. Left-over food, usually from parties, outings, trips, and outdoor activities, if not stored properly, can fester and cause food poisoning.
Diarrhea can result and lead to dehydration. Prepare and store food properly so that you and your loved ones only have happy memories this summer.
That said, how can you protect yourself and your family from these diseases? Here are 6 big ways.
Protect, Prevent, and Prepare
1) Protect yourself and your family from the sun.
If possible, don’t go out when the sun’s rays are the harshest.
And when you do head outside, remember to wear ample protection like sleeves and slacks.
Don’t skimp on the sunblock and reapply every few hours. (Don’t forget to put some on the kids!)
Sunglasses are not just so you look cool. They protect your eyes from rays that can slowly degrade your vision.
Planning to spend a day at the beach? Don’t forget to bring your wide-brimmed hat.
2) Stay hydrated.
Drink more water than you think you need. (It’s cheap and has zero calories!)
Hydration is a continuing activity. Create a “water alarm” on your phone so you remember to stay hydrated.
On the go? Bring a water bottle with you at all times.
Limit caffeine and alcohol intake. These substances are mildly diuretic and flush water out of the body.
Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. They’re not only healthy, but they also contain generous amounts of H2O
Instead of drinking sugary beverages. Add slices of lemon or cucumber to your tall glass of water.
3) Observe proper hygiene.
Take a refreshing bath at least once a day. Twice is even better.
When coming from the outside, make sure to clean up before bonding with the family.
Always wear a fresh set of clothes.
Covid or not, make handwashing a priority and a habit.
Try to stay in a cool place to avoid sweating too much.
Don’t forget to clean up all the rooms in the house.
4) Observe social distancing.
Diseases like measles, mumps, and chickenpox, even colds, are highly contagious. Many of these are spread through salivary droplets in the air. Apply what you’ve learned about health protocols and stay a safe distance from people you think are infected.
If you have been infected, isolate to avoid infecting your friends and family.
5) Get vaccinated.
Vaccines for measles, mumps, and rubella are available and are very effective. Make sure your family is protected and vaccinated.
Have your pets take the anti-rabies shot.
6) Boost your immune system.
Get lots of sleep.
Get a good run and exercise.
Take multivitamins.
Eat fresh and nutritious food.
And last but not the least, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor whenever you feel something off. Health professionals are there to help and ensure that you and your family will have a safe and enjoyable summer.
Bloodworks Lab is your one-stop shop for all your blood test needs, offering the full range of medical screenings and assessments. We also have comprehensive test packages like the “Well-being Package” which looks into the state of your health, checking on your cholesterol, sugar, lipid profiles, etc.
Bloodworks Lab is also proud to be the first laboratory in the Philippines to offer the Anti Acetylcholine Receptor (lgG) Antibody Test and the Anti N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (Anti NMDA Receptor) Antibody Test.
Come give us a visit. Our branches are in Alabang, Katipunan, and Cebu.