How to avoid summer's most common diseases

(CNN Philippines) — ‘Tis the season for beach outings, recreational activities, fiesta celebrations, street parties, and, yes, summer diseases.

Because of this, the Department of Health has warned the public to be wary of the six summer-related diseases which include sore eyes, colds and cough, vomiting and diarrhea, sunburn, skin diseases, and dog bites.

The Health department also gave preventive tips to avoid these diseases.

Sore eyes

Sore eyes or conjunctivitis is manifested through the inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva covering the whites of the eyes. It can be caused by a viral infection, bacteria, chemicals, or trauma. Sore eyes can be easily spread from person to person by touching the eyes or eye secretions of the contaminated and touching your own eyes. It is no laughing matter, as it can lead to blindness if not treated properly.

Tips:

- Do not use eye drops without consulting a doctor first

- Wash your hand frequently and thoroughly with soap and water

- Minimize hand-to-eye contact

Colds and cough

Often mistaken as just rainy day diseases, coughs and colds can easily spread during the summer months, too, as the country's erratic weather can bring sudden downpours from time to time.

Tips:

- Drink eight to 12 glasses of water a day

- Wash your hands often with water and soap

- Sleep for eight hours

- Try doing some meditation

Diarrhea and vomiting

Summer means outing, outing, outing. It also means food and drinks galore. But it’s not all fun as consuming contaminated food or drinks can send you to the hospital and ruin your day in the sun.

Tips:

- Be cautious of street foods and also those prepared for out-of-town trips, as food spoils easier during the hot summer months

- Always carry oral rehydration salt solution in case one suffers diarrhea; seek early consultation to prevent severe dehydration

Sunburn

Sunburns also lead to premature aging, wrinkles, and possibly skin cancer.

Tips:

- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure; don't forget to apply it to your ears, nape, and feet, too; pick a sunscreen that reflects both harmful UV-A and UV-B rays, with at least SPF30

- Avoid direct exposure between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; instead, hold outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon

- Wear clothing that can protect your skin, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, hat, and sunglasses

- Drink eight to 10 glasses of water to replace fluid loss and to avoid heat stroke

- Avoid drinking tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol

Skin disease

Skin diseases are most common during the summer, especially in areas where water becomes scarce.

Tips:

- Bathe daily and practice proper hygiene

- Take a shower before and after plunging into the pool; always wash after dipping in the beach

- Do not urinate in pools

Dog bites

Dog bites can lead to rabies if wounds are not washed and cared for properly. The Philippines is one of the top 10 countries with the worst rabies problem, with dog bites remain the principal cause of animal bites and rabies cases.

Tips:

- Make sure your pet dogs are vaccinated against rabies

- If you get scratched, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and running water

- If you sustain dog bites, visit an animal bite center to get rabies vaccination immediately

Health