MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Health (DOH) is asking Filipinos to watch out for the following summer diseases as temperatures in the country start to rise this month:
- food and water-borne diseases (such as typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, food poisoning and diarrhea)
- sore eyes
- measles or tigdas
- mosquito-borne diseases (such as dengue and malaria)
- skin conditions (such as sunburn and prickly heat).
Dr. Willie Ong, a media consultant at the DOH, said the body tends to have a hard time keeping up with temperatures above 25 degrees Celsius. Because of this, he said people also tend to have cough, colds and fever more frequently during this time of year.
"Ang ideal temperature natin is 24 to 25 degrees para sa optimal performance ng katawan. Kung masyadong mainit, nahihirapan ang katawan natin," Ong told ABS-CBN News.
Given this, the DOH provided some useful tips to help Filipinos stay away from these summer diseases:
On eating/drinking and food preparation:
- Cook food properly.
- Eat food immediately after cooking or while it's still hot.
- Refrigerate leftover food and reheat before eating.
- Wash hands before and after food preparation, and before and after eating.
- Avoid preparing food for others if already sick.
- Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water a day. Avoid drinking water and iced beverages of doubtful quality.
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Make sure to wash and peel them before eating.
At the beach:
- Do not allow children to swim without the company of an adult who can swim and is not drunk.
- Avoid staying under the sun for more than 3 hours.
- Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Wear light clothing.
On the road:
- Check your vehicle before going on a trip
- Always bring a repair kit in case of accidents and emergencies.
- When drunk, never attempt to drive.
With a report from Pia Gutierrez, ABS-CBN News