Public urged: Watch out for summer diseases

CEBU, Philippines - A regional health official has cautioned the public against diseases that come along with the dry season.

Dr. Jeanette Pauline Arellano-Cortes, chief of the non-communicable section of the Department of Health-7, said that sore eyes is the most common disease during summer that the public should watch out for.

“Sore eyes is the most common summer disease. It lasts for five to seven days. It is usually viral conjunctivitis. The best way to prevent it is through frequent hand washing. When you are from a crowded place, wash your hands. Stay away from infected people because it’s easy to spread,” Cortes said.

Cortes said bacterial sore eyes characterized by red and heavily swollen eyes is more serious and must be seen by a doctor so that proper medication can be given.

“Self medication has never been encouraged. Over-the-counter medicine like eye drops must not be taken lightly because you might be using the wrong one. There are two types: vaso-dilator and vaso-constrictor that if used wrongly can cause more harm than healing. It is always best to consult the doctor for proper treatment,” Cortes said.

She likewise said that no scientific research data has supported that breast milk can cure sore eyes.  Other things to be careful for during summer are upper respiratory diseases such as cough and colds.

“It is always advised to rehydrate, drink lots of water and take vitamin C,” she said.

Rennan Cimafranca, chief epidemiologist of the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, also said that it is not enough to rehydrate, but to also ensure that water used for drinking and food preparation are safe and not contaminated.

“It is important to refrain from patronizing street food prepared by non-certified food handlers. We are not sure on the manner of preparation of the sold food, if the water used is clean and safe or otherwise. As much as possible, we must avoid street food to prevent food and water related diseases,” Cimafranca explained. — (FREEMAN)