10 common summer diseases in the Philippines parents should be aware of

10 common summer diseases in the Philippines

Here are 10 common summer diseases in the Philippines and their definitions:

• Heat stroke

Heat stroke is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body overheats and is unable to cool down. It is a type of heat-related illness that can develop when the body’s temperature regulation system is overwhelmed due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures, high humidity, and dehydration.

Heat stroke can be caused by various factors. Such as strenuous physical activity, wearing excessive clothing, or staying in a hot and humid environment for extended periods. Common symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature (typically above 104°F or 40°C), altered mental state, rapid heartbeat, headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and hot and dry skin.

If left untreated, heat stroke can lead to severe complications. Such as damage to the brain, heart, kidneys, and other organs, and in severe cases, it can result in coma or even death.

• Sunburn

Sunburn is a common skin condition that occurs when the skin is overexposed to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. It is a form of radiation burn that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area of the skin.

When the skin is exposed to the sun, the UV rays can damage the skin cells, causing inflammation and redness. Sunburn can occur within a few hours of exposure to the sun. It can be worsened by the intensity of the sun, altitude, and reflection on surfaces like sand, water, or snow.

The symptoms of sunburn include redness and pain in the affected area, swelling, blisters, peeling skin, and in severe cases, nausea, fever, and chills. Sunburn can also increase the risk of developing skin cancer in the long run.

To prevent sunburn, it’s essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays by:

• wearing protective clothing
• using sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF)
• seeking shade during peak sun hours
• avoiding tanning beds

If you do get sunburned, you can treat it by applying aloe vera or other soothing lotions to the affected area and drinking plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.

• Dehydration

Dehydration occurs when your body loses more fluids than it takes in. It happens when you don’t drink enough water, or lose too much fluid due to sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting, or a combination of these factors. Dehydration can range from mild to severe, and if left untreated, it can lead to serious health complications.

Common signs and symptoms of dehydration include:

• thirst, dry mouth
• dark-colored urine
• tiredness, dizziness
• lightheadedness
• dry or sticky mouth
• dry skin
• headache

Severe dehydration may also cause rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, sunken eyes, and confusion.

• Gastrointestinal infections

Hot weather during summer can cause spoiled food that may lead to food poisoning. Gastrointestinal infections are infections that affect the digestive system, including the stomach, intestines, and other organs involved in digestion.

They are typically caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites, and can be spread through contaminated food or water, poor hygiene, or close contact with infected individuals.

• Dengue fever

Dengue fever is a disease that is more commonly seen during the summer months in tropical and subtropical regions, including the Philippines.

This is because the Aedes mosquito, which transmits the virus that causes dengue fever, thrives in warm and humid environments.

During the summer months, people tend to spend more time outdoors, and mosquitoes are more active. Which increases the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Additionally, the rainy season in the Philippines, which typically occurs from May to October, can create breeding grounds for mosquitoes in stagnant water.

To prevent dengue fever during the summer months, it’s important to take measures to avoid mosquito bites. This includes the following:

• wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants
• using mosquito repellent
• staying in air-conditioned or screened areas.

It’s also important to eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed.

• Malaria

Malaria is a serious and potentially life-threatening disease that is caused by a parasite transmitted by the Anopheles mosquito. It is usual in many tropical and subtropical regions, including the Philippines, and can occur year-round in some areas.

While malaria transmission is generally higher during the rainy season. Which typically occurs in the Philippines from May to October, it is still possible to contract malaria during the summer months. This is because the Anopheles mosquito can breed and thrive in warm and humid environments.

• Chikungunya

Chikungunya is a viral disease that is transmitted by the Aedes mosquito, which also transmits dengue fever and Zika virus.

It is prevalent in many tropical and subtropical regions, including the Philippines, and can occur year-round, with higher transmission rates during the rainy season.

During the summer months, the Aedes mosquito is more active, and people tend to spend more time outdoors. Which increases the risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms of chikungunya typically include the following:

• fever
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• headache
• rash which can be similar to symptoms of other mosquito-borne illnesses.

To prevent chikungunya during the summer months, it’s important to take measures to avoid mosquito bites. This includes wearing protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and pants, using mosquito repellent, and staying in air-conditioned or screened areas. It’s also important to eliminate standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed.

• Typhoid fever

Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, which is spread through contaminated food and water. It can occur year-round, but there may be a higher incidence during the summer months in some regions, including the Philippines.

During the summer months, the risk of contaminated food and water can increase due to factors. Such as higher temperatures and more frequent power outages. That can lead to spoilage of food and interruption of water supply.

To prevent typhoid fever during the summer months, it’s important to practice good food and water hygiene. This includes the following:

• washing hands frequently, especially before handling food
• using clean water for drinking and cooking
• avoiding foods that may be at higher risk of contamination, such as raw or undercooked meat and eggs.

It’s also important to properly store and handle food, and to use a thermometer to ensure food is cooked to the proper temperature.

• Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. That can be found in the urine of infected animals such as rats, dogs, and cattle.

It can occur year-round, but there may be a higher incidence during the summer months in some regions, including the Philippines.

During the summer months, heavy rains and flooding can increase the risk of exposure to contaminated water or soil. Leptospira bacteria can enter the body through cuts or abrasions on the skin, or through mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth.

To prevent leptospirosis during the summer months, it’s important to avoid contact with contaminated water or soil. This includes wearing protective clothing and footwear when working or playing in areas where the risk of exposure is high. Such as flood-prone areas or areas with a high population of rats. It’s also important to practice good hygiene, such as washing hands and exposed skin with soap and water after exposure to potentially contaminated areas.

• Asthma

During the summer months, air pollution levels can increase due to factors such as higher temperatures and increased traffic, which can trigger asthma symptoms in some people.

Additionally, exposure to allergens such as pollen, mold, and dust mites may increase during the summer months, which can also trigger asthma symptoms.

To prevent asthma symptoms during the summer months, it’s important to identify and avoid triggers as much as possible.

This may involve staying indoors during high pollen or pollution days, using air conditioning to filter the air, and taking medications as prescribed by a doctor.

It’s also important to maintain good asthma management habits year-round, such as following an asthma action plan and regularly seeing a doctor for check-ups.