Rainy Day Blues

The rainy season brings us relief from the stifling heat of summer. Alas, it also brings with it a host of ailments that proliferate during this type of weather. The most common of these diseases are flu, cough and colds, leptospirosis, typhoid, dengue and diarrhea. Although these diseases can strike anyone and at any season of the year, they are most prevalent during the rainy season as they are water-borne diseases.

On top of the list is the common cold which is fairly easy to remedy with medicine, rest and increased fluid intake. Another most common ailment is Flu or Influenza whose symptoms include fever, cough and sore throat. There are vaccines available at local health centers to boost immunity to the flu virus. In case you are unable to get vaccinated and fall sick with the flu, medication and rest would be enough to weather the ailment.

Diarrhea and typhoid are more serious ailments. Diarrhea is usually caused by drinking unclean water and if not addressed properly may lead to dehydration and in some cases, even death. Typhoid fever is transmitted by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with feces.

Among those that can be fatal are dengue fever and leptospirosis. The former is transmitted to humans by the aedes aegypti mosquito and is characterized by very high fever. Lab tests that show decrease platelet count confirm dengue fever and further testing is advised. The latter is transmitted to humans through unsanitary flood waters which have rat urine. If undiagnosed and left untreated both diseases can lead to death.

The best way to ward off these diseases is to avoid exposure to weather conditions outdoor. Consuming Vitamin C to strengthen the immune system would also be greatly beneficial. Other precautions you may take are:

• Bring necessary rain gear such as umbrellas and raincoats to avoid exposure to rain
• Avoid contact with floodwater especially if you have open wounds in the lower extremities.
• Boil drinking water if your source is tap water.
• Wash your hands thoroughly before cooking or handling food.
• Empty open containers were stagnant water may accumulate.
• Have an adequate supply of medicines for common ailments such as flu and cough.

It has often been said that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Keep yourself informed on how to best avoid these common ailments and do not hesitate consulting a doctor at the first onset of symptoms.