Department of Health (DOH) advised Central Luzon residents on preventive measures against heat and water-related illnesses as the region prepares for the effects of El Niño.
DOH Central Luzon Center for Health Development Disaster Risk Reduction and Management in Health Cluster Medical Officer IV Maila Rostrata underscored that hotter days may cause heat and stress-related problems especially to the old and young population, and those with comorbidities.
“The direct health impact of climate change, including El Niño, will result in increased morbidity and mortality,” she said.
Given this, Rostrata advised the public to stay hydrated as the extreme weather conditions may lead to heat stroke.
“As a general advisory from DOH, before going outside, we need to drink plenty of water. Don’t let yourself get thirsty because that’s when the dehydration sets in. We need to drink a minimum of eight to 10 glasses of water daily,” she said.
A person suffering from stroke due to the increase in temperature must be brought to a cool place and be allowed to rest.
After drinking water, that person must be taken to the nearest medical facility for further check-up.
Also, Rostrata emphasized that the public must ensure that they are drinking potable water.
Drinking unsafe water which may contain viruses and bacteria may lead to water-borne diseases.
“When the climate is hot, they [viruses and bacteria] will increase in number… We always say that we have to conserve water, but we also constantly tell them that this water should be safe,” she said.
Rostrata stated that drinking water should come from clean water sources. Water containers must also be covered to avoid contamination.
“Contaminated water may cause diarrheal diseases which may cause vomiting, weakness, loose bowel movement, and if not treated, you may be hospitalized and when it gets worse, it may cause death,” she warned.
In addition, Rostrata highlighted that residents should keep their surroundings clean as El Niño is also associated with vector-borne diseases that can be transmitted by mosquitoes, flies, and ticks.
Their symptoms may include chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of appetite and joint pain.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should immediately seek consultation to the nearest health facility.
Moreover, DOH advised that the public must avoid going outdoors during extreme heat.
When doing so, they must wear light clothes and sunscreen, and use umbrellas or hats.
“We may experience strong UV radiation which is the leading cause of skin cancer and cataract,” Rostrata said.
Prolonged sun exposure may also cause sunburn, wrinkles and skin sagging, dry skin, freckles, and moles. (PIA 3)
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