DOH reminds public of 6 common summer diseases

Published March 31, 2015 10:41am

With the days getting hotter as the dry (summer) season draws closer, the Department of Health reminded the public to be wary of six common "summer diseases" or 6S.

The DOH said these include:

sore eyes
sunburn
sipon at ubo (cold and cough)
suka at tae (vomiting and diarrhea)
sakit sa balat (skin disease), and
sakmal ng aso (dog bite).

In a post on its Facebook page, the DOH offered tips against these six diseases:

Sore eyes (conjunctivitis): can lead to blindness when not treated properly, and can spread.

Hand washing can limit its spread
Health experts advise not to use eye drops without consulting a doctor.

Sunburn:

Hold outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon. Avoid direct exposure to sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Hide in the shade or seek cool places to prevent the ill effects of too much sun exposure.
Use sunscreen, choose a product that retards against both UVA and UVB rays, with at least an SPF30. Apply it 30 minutes before actual sun exposure. Re-apply if exposure will be extended and do not forget the ears, nape areas and feet.

Heat stroke:

Drink eight to 12 glasses of water a day. Holy Week penitents can also benefit from these tips.

Sipon at ubo: can easily spread as erratic weather can bring sudden rain from time to time.

Senior citizens are advised to get vaccinated against influenza before the flu season begins in June.

Suka at tae: follows the consumption of contaminated food or drinks.

Be cautious of street foods and also those prepared for out-of-town trips.
Food spoils easily during the hot months.
Always have oral rehydration salt solution ready in case one suffers diarrhea.
Seek early consultation to prevent severe dehydration.

Sakit sa balat: especially when water becomes scarce and daily bathing is compromised.

Usually, inmates in crowded prisons suffer boils due to heat and congestion.
Skin diseases abound when one swims in dirty water or unmaintained public swimming pools.
Take a bath before and after plunging into the pool and do not urinate in the pool.
The real danger in swimming is drowning. Children should not be left alone in the pool or beach.

Sakmal ng aso: can lead to rabies if wounds are not washed properly.

Make sure dogs are vaccinated against rabies.
If you are bitten, visit the animal bite center to get rabies vaccination immediately.

Road safety

Meanwhile, DOH Secretary Jeanette Garin issued road safety tips such as not calling or texting while driving.

Also, she advised against drinking alcoholic beverages if one will drive.

Other tips include:

Do not drive if you are sleepy
Always wear seatbelt
Always follow traffic rules especially speed limits.
For those riding motorcycles or bicycles, always wear your helmet.

—Joel Locsin/KG, GMA News

Tags: summerdiseases, departmentofhealth, healthtips, roadsafetytips