MANILA, Philippines - Alongside the cool climate and cozy vibe that the rainy season brings are respiratory, waterborne and foodborne diseases.
People should be conscious of these common ailments during the monsoon, along with the symptoms:
Common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract. It is usually due to oscillation in the temperature. Symptoms include runny or stuffy nose, itchy or sore throat, cough, congestion, slight body aches, a mild headache, sneezing, watery eyes, low-grade fever, and mild fatigue.
Influenza is a viral infection that attacks your respiratory system, your nose, throat, and lungs. Influenza is commonly called flu. It is usually severe than common cold. Its symptoms include sore throat, fever, over 100 F, chills and sweats, headache, muscle aches and soreness, congestion, and cough.
Dengue fever becomes pandemic during the rainy season. It is a mosquito-borne disease that occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. Symptoms usually occur four to 10 days after the person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Signs and symptoms of dengue fever most commonly include fever, up to 106 F, headaches, muscle, bone, and joint pain, pain behind your eyes, widespread rash, nausea, vomiting, and minor bleeding from your gums or nose.
Typhoid fever spreads through contaminated food and water or through close contact with someone who's infected. Signs and symptoms usually include high fever, headache, abdominal pain, and either constipation or diarrhea.
Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread through contaminated water. Cholera symptoms are nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea, and dehydration. It can be fatal in a matter of hours if left untreated.
Leptospirosis can infect people by having contact with water or soil contaminated with animal urine. The virus can enter the body through an open wound, eyes and mucous membranes. Leptospirosis can cause a wide range of symptoms, including high fever, headache, chills, muscle aches, vomiting, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), red eyes, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rashes.
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There are common health practices that we could all do to avoid these diseases such as regular hand washing with soap and water, sneezing or coughing onto a cloth or tissue, keeping hands away from the eyes and mouth, avoiding crowded places, adequate hydration, and a balanced diet. Stay healthy during the rainy season!