5 Tips to Prevent Rainy Season Health Hazards in the Summer

Summer is definitely at its peak, and with the scorching season lasting over two months, families can bask in the enjoyment of beach trips and outdoor adventures. 

However, many parents may not be aware that with the effects of climate change and global warming, summer can be the best time to prepare our families for possible health risks during the rainy season. Just like the classic childhood tale of “The Ant and The Grasshopper”, it’s best to plan this early for the coming rainy season.

The monsoon can give relief after the summer heat. But parents should be wary about the germs and diseases that the rains bring to the household, which can add to the risk of malaria, pneumonia, and complications of the common cold. So here are 5 practical tips to keep your family protected.

1. Having a clean and safe environment should start from home, and one of the steps is to maintain a germ-free kitchen. According to a 2011 study made by the National Sanitation Foundation International (NSF), kitchen countertops, sinks, and dish rags are three out of the top ten germiest places at home, so better make sure all surfaces are clean and dry. Use a trusted brand of cleaning liquid along with clear water, and do it at least twice a day. It’s also best to replace your kitchen sponge every 1 to 2 days.

2. Bathrooms should be well sanitized. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), bacteria and viruses can live two hours or longer on certain surfaces, so hands should be thoroughly washed every time after using the toilet, moreso because this is the main reason for the spread of water-borne diseases. To keep your bathrooms clean, use a diluted antiseptic liquid at least once a day.

 

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3. Do not wear damp clothes for long periods. Fungal infections and itching are common skin ailments during the rainy season. It’s also best to wear open-toed and waterproof footwear when stepping out in the rain.

4. The most alarming health risk during the monsoon is dengue. Keep mosquitoes and house flies at bay by ensuring that the house is free from stagnant water. Parents should be aware that dengue-carrying mosquitoes spread the disease during the day, while malaria-carrying ones are active during the night, so it's best to safeguard the family with a mosquito-repellent spray or lotion throughout the day. As an alternative, you may put a few drops of eucalyptus oil in water and place it in strategic places.

5. Your water source should be clean and safe at all times. Based on a CDC report, water, sanitation, and hygiene have the potential to prevent at least 9.1% of the global disease burden and 6.3% of all deaths. Moreover, water-borne infections are rampant during the rainy season, so unless you are confident about your source of drinking water, it’s best to bring your own. 

In the Philippines, the first and currently the only brand in the Philippines to receive a certification from NSF international is Absolute Pure Distilled Drinking Water. It is certified to follow international standards of safety and cleanliness for bottled water.

The list may go on and on, but these are basic tips that you could do in summer to keep your family safe from potential harm caused by the rainy season. After all, a healthy living environment is prompted by a clean and safe lifestyle.

 

References:

• “Top 10 Germiest Places in the Home” Consumer Fact Sheet. NSF International. www.nsf.org 
• “Global Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene (WASH). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. www.cdc.gov 

 

Photo by Maja_Larsson via flickr creative commons