With the COVID-19 pandemic currently raging, many people are scrambling to protect themselves from it. Even the government has announced a total lockdown of Luzon. But there are other health concerns that you need to be aware of this season. Here are some of the summer health risks you should also protect yourself from.
Summer health risk no. 1: Heatstroke
Heatstroke generally occurs when a person is exposed to the sun for too long. As such, many people working outdoors to maintain the COVID-19 lockdown, such as soldiers, police, and delivery personnel, are susceptible to it. However, even those staying at their homes at the moment are still at risk if their house is not properly ventilated.
People suffering from heatstroke will initially have the following symptoms:
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Red and dry skin
- Muscle weakness or cramps
- Nausea and vomiting
If left unchecked, patients might start becoming confused and stagger trying to move. Fainting is also a big risk, as they can fall over and be injured. The biggest danger is that heat stroke can lead to fatal heart attacks.
Preventing heatstroke
Having the right protection against the hot sun is one of the essentials for preventing heatstroke. Be sure to wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes. You would also want to go with light-colored ones, as these absorb heat less. You should also have a covering for your head, such as a wide-brimmed hat or even a towel wrapped around your head.
Keeping yourself hydrated is also vital, especially for those who will be maintaining the Luzon lockdown. The general recommendation here is to drink at least 24 ounces of fluids two hours before heading out. During your stay outdoors, drink around 24 ounces of fluid every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
For those staying indoors, be sure to open the curtains and windows to let fresh air in. You would also want to stay in the coolest part of your house for at least two hours. At night, keep windows open on opposite sides of your house for improved ventilation.
Summer health risk no. 2: Food poisoning
Summer is a popular time for many Filipinos to pig out on street foods, which can carry a variety of diseases when not properly prepared. While you might say that the current COVID-19 lockdown can help lessen that, there is still the danger. After all, some food items in your stock can end up spoiling during the long storage or might already be contaminated.
As such, food poisoning is one of the summer health risks to be ready for. The disease is usually caused by bacteria like E. coli or Salmonella, or even a virus like the Norovirus. Its common symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Aching muscles
These typically start showing up one or two days after eating contaminated food. Depending on your age and overall health condition, you might only feel mild symptoms. In this case, you can self-medicate at home.
Treatment and prevention
Drinking a lot of fluids is effective to combat the dehydration brought about by food poisoning. Keep a small canister of water with a straw by your side so that you can sip it from time to time. For elderly patients or those with existing health conditions, use oral rehydration solutions (oresol) instead. Mix one pack of the solution with water as instructed and have the patient drink the solution every time they have a watery stool and continue until they start to feel well.
You should also eat but only if you are feeling up to it. Try light meals first and stick to bland foods like crackers, bananas, and rice until you start feeling better. In case your symptoms don’t drop within a few days, you should seek medical attention.
Summer health risk no. 3: Skin diseases
The hot and dry season can also lead to a variety of skin diseases, such as
- Athlete’s foot
- An-an (Tinea versicolor)
- Buni (ringworm)
- Hadhad (jock itch)
- Acne
These diseases are usually caused by sudden fungal growth. While these are not severe ailments, they can be irritating and might leave nasty scars if untreated.
Staying with other people during the lockdown period can also lead to a faster spread of the disease. This is particularly the case in communities that have a large density of residents.
Preventing skin diseases
The best way to avoid such skin diseases is to be hygienic at all times. Be sure to wash your hands and feet often throughout the day. Also, don’t forget to dry them thoroughly. Taking a shower at least once a day is another way to keep yourself protected
Additionally, make sure all of your personal effects are cleaned properly. Beddings, in particular, are some of the items you should change and wash frequently. This is especially the case if you share a bed with others. You also need to clean places that might be the breeding grounds of insects and other disease-carrying organisms.
Keep safe from health risks this summer
The above summer health risks can make the ongoing Luzon-wide lockdown more unbearable for many people. But by doing the tips and reminders here, along with our tips against COVID-19, you can protect yourself better. Stay safe and be ready to enjoy summer once the lockdown is over.