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Many of us have fond memories of the rains from our
growing up years -- impromptu holidays from school, splashing about in
muddy puddles, or maybe simply getting wet in a pouring shower. Like
you, your little one will love the rains, the fresh new leaves on the
trees, the smell of the damp wet ground, and perhaps a little scared of
the thunder and lightning which accompany the rain many a time. But with
all the joyous moments, the rainy season also brings with it humid
weather, flooded roads, mosquitoes, diseases, and lots more. With a
little care and forethought you can let your child enjoy this beautiful
season and also keep him safe from illnesses.
Common illnesses during rainy season
This is the time when contagious diseases are on the rise. Your child is
especially vulnerable to infections because he is still developing his
immune system.
Viral infections usually spread when the rains come. In the Philippines,
common diseases associated with the rainy season also include diarrheal
diseases, dengue, leptospirosis, and respiratory illnesses. Some simple
precautions can go a long way in keeping your family healthy during the
rainy season.
Dengue
Avoid dengue by cleaning or throwing away all potential breeding ground
for mosquitoes, especially the Aedes Aegypti, which is the kind of
mosquito that carries the dengue virus. Make sure that your barangay or
neighborhood makes a concerted effort towards proper garbage disposal,
as well as keeping canals clean, with water running through them.
Otherwise mosquitoes can breed in the stagnant waters.
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Viral infections
Ensure that you and your family avoid close contact with someone who is
suffering from a viral infection or conjunctivitis. Children are
especially vulnerable to weather changes and infections, so keep them at
home for a few days if you know that their playmates are suffering from
an illness. Cut their nails regularly and do not allow them to put their
hands into their mouths. Make sure they wash their hands with soap
before eating anything and after visiting the toilet.
Diarrheal diseases
Flooding, which commonly occurs during the rainy season, can contaminate
water sources. Thus, ensure safety of your drinking water by boiling it
to avoid diarrhea.
Respiratory illnesses
Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. Practice frequent
handwashing with soap and water. Avoid crowded places where transmission
of infection is highly probable.
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Leptospirosis
Discourage playing and walking in flood waters to avoid leptospirosis.
This bacterial infection causes enlargement of the spleen, jaundice, and
nephritis. The infection is usually transmitted by exposure of unhealed
blisters and open wounds to water contaminated with animal urine.
Health care during rainy season
There are common misconceptions to avoid when it comes to keeping
healthy.
These will not avert a cold: wearing warm clothing, avoiding cold
drafts, applying body warming oil, waiting for your wet hair to dry
before going out, doubling the dose of Vitamin C (it is further
recommended to eat the whole fruit, rather than take a vitamin as one’s
source of vitamin C).
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Instead stick to more reliable practices, such as regular handwashing
with soap and water, sneezing or coughing onto a cloth or tissue that
you dispose of as soon after use, keeping hands away from the eyes and
mouth, avoiding crowded places, adequate hydration and a balanced diet.
Also, try not to depend on diet and health supplements -- many of which
are advertised with claims of helping the body ward off infections
during the rainy season when viruses spread. While some may have been
approved by the Food and Drug Administration, many are likely to not be
formulated for children. It is possible that these supplements do not
pose an actual risk, but their preventive, or therapeutic, value against
infections is not well-substantiated. It is best to discuss the use of
these supplements with your doctor, especially if you plan to use them
on your child. Always remember that supplements can never substitute for
a well-balanced diet -- which is what we want our kids to get accustomed
to. |