The rains are here and many are beginning to come down with certain illnesses associated with the season. Woman Editor, TEMITOPE DAVID-ADEGBOYE, takes a look at some of these ailments and how you can protect yourself from them
long with the rainy season comes lot of fun, excitement and a host of infections that are prevalent during this season.
People should be aware of these problems so that they can take necessary precautions during this season. The most common illness, according to Dr. Titi Gbajabiamila, Researcher/Clinician at Nigeria Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) is related to the respiratory system. Water and food borne diseases cannot be overlooked.
Some common respiratory ailments include cold, catarrh, chest pains and flu; while water borne diseases include malaria, diarrhoea, typhoid, cholera and stomach infection.
According to Gbajabiamila, cold and flu (catarrh) are common illnesses found in the rainy season and this is usually due to fluctuation in the temperature.
Malaria takes the number one spot on the list of common rain ailments. The female anopheles mosquito causes malaria; they usually breed in waterlogged areas.
Gbajabiamila therefore urges people to ensure drainages are functioning properly to avoid stagnant water.
Also, it is important to use insecticide treated nets to prevent mosquito bites.
Among the waterborne diseases, dysentery is the biggest problem. Hepatitis, cholera, polio, typhoid also pose serious health threats during the rainy season. You may also get asthma, arthritis, skin diseases, cough, sneeze, phlegm and so on.
Another common ailment during this season is diarrhoea, which is caused due to unhygienic consumption or handling of food and water. “There are two main types of diarrhoea – acute diarrhoea and chronic diarrhoea. Both are highly preventable and treatable. In order to prevent this bowel problem, maintain proper hygiene, wash hands before handling food and drink only boiled water,” Gbajamiala says.
Typhoid is a water-borne disease, which is prevalent during the rainy season. Caused by S. Typhi bacteria, which is transmitted through consuming contaminated water or food, poor sanitation also causes this disease to spread. The common symptoms of typhoid are fever, headache, weakness, pain and sore throat. To prevent occurrence, wash your hands regularly, avoid consuming street-side food or water and drink plenty of healthy fluid.
Dealing with illnesses associated this season is not very difficult, says Dr. Gbajabiamila. She states that people must be aware of certain quick remedies to cope with such illnesses.
Parents of little children need to be extra careful to prevent such disorder.
Gbajabiamila advises that people should endeavour to carry umbrellas along, especially when they notice it might rain. “First look for a shelter and try to save yourself from getting drenched. “However, a shelter can save you from getting wet in rain but it will not protect you from catching any kind of infection. This is especially when your immune system is very low.
“If you have cold, seek medical treatment early to avoid it progressing to pneumonic state which could be deadlier.”
She also observes that for those with asthma triggered by cold, it is important to keep warm always.