Avoid rainy-day diseases with these tips and tricks

Keep your kids away from harmful rainy-day bugs with these helpful tips

F or most Philippine schools, the start of the school year also coincides with the start of the rainy season. Let's do the math: Wet weather + lots of kids in confined classrooms can equal a hotbed for communicable illnesses. The Department of Health warns against these five common culprits— and here's what to do to prevent ( and treat!) them.

FLU

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) explains, " the flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death." Statistics compiled by Columbia University in New York from 40 different countries around the world showed that flu cases spike during cooler weather: winter for countries in the northern hemisphere and the rainy season for the tropics. It's still unclear why exactly that is the case, but it does give weight to our parents' old warnings about staying out in the rain and developing fever.

PREVENT: The CDC says, " The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year." You can also boost kids' immunity with vitamin C; prevent the spread of viruses by practicing frequent hand washing; and be vigilant about staying away from other sick kids.

TREAT: Antiviral drugs such as Isoprinosine can lessen flu symptoms and help one get better faster. Lots of rest and hydration helps, too.

COUGHS AND COLDS

Cooler temperatures and damp weather are the perfect conditions for cough and cold viruses to develop and spread. While these seem like minor illnesses, they can put a damper on your kids' energy, and can also lead to more serious complications such as severe congestion. Also, some coughs can mask bronchitis or pneumonia— inflammation of the lung caused by virus, bacteria, or fungi—that are deadly when left untreated.

PREVENT: When it comes to cough and cold viruses, cleanliness is indeed next to godliness. Teach your child to wash hands after every activity or to refresh with a hand sanitizer. Boost immunity with lots of sleep, proper diet, and vitamins, too.

TREAT: For " wet" cough, an expectorant helps thin, loose, and expel the phlegm; while a suppressant's ability to curb the urge to cough helps give relief to " dry" cough. If your kid gets sick, tell him to cover his nose and mouth with a tissue or hankie to prevent spreading the germs to others. Steaming with a nebulizer helps relieve congested noses and chests, while warm soups and teas have a similar effect. If cough and congestion persist, visit a doctor who may recommend antibiotics for extreme cases.

DENGUE FEVER

The dreaded dengue disease peaks during rainy season— the perfect weather for diseasecarrying Aedes aegypti mosquitoes to breed and attack. Dengue is characterized by fever, severe headaches, pain behind the eyes, a rash, and flu- like body aches. In advanced cases, bleeding may also occur.

PREVENT: The best way to halt the spread of dengue is to prevent its carriers from breeding. Get rid of stagnant water, where mosquitos lay eggs. If your area has ditches and depressions where water collection is unavoidable, protect your child by using antimosquito lotion whenever he goes outside. Mosquito- repelling oils such as citronella smell nice and, in the form of candles and burners, can be burned inside the home.

TREAT: There are no specific medicines to treat dengue fever, which is why it can be so deadly. If you suspect your child has dengue, see a doctor immediately.

LEPTOSPIROSIS

Leptospirosis is an animal- borne disease that can be transmitted to humans via contact with contaminated urine in water. This is especially prevalent during floods: Wading in flood with open wounds or lesions is an invitation to the illness. Left untreated, it can cause kidney disease, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.

PREVENT: The simplest way to prevent leptospirosis is to stay away from floods! If unavoidable, equip kids with protective, weatherproof clothing and boots, and immediately wash areas that may have been exposed.

TREAT: Leptospirosis is a serious illness requiring early medical intervention. If you observe symptoms such as high fever, chills, headache, jaundice ( yellow skin), red eyes, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, see a doctor immediately.