Flood-Borne Diseases

From the earliest moments in my boyhood, I can safely say, without second thoughts, that typhoons have always caused floods in our country. The only difference that I can safely aver is that nowadays, floods don't stay longer than a day in most flood-prone areas. Unlike before, stagnant floodwaters don't drain until about a few days to a week. There must have been some marked improvements in the modern engineering and drainage system in areas that are considered "small islands" after torrential rains.

To maintain safety and health of children and family members, the APO Hiking song that says "Hayaan mong maglaro ang bata sa araw. Kapag umulan nama'y magtatampisaw," don't work anymore in all practicality, because of flood-borne diseases. Leptospirosis, dermatitis, ENT infections, cholera, dysentery, etc. The above diseases are just a few of disease conditions that can be contracted from floodwaters. The list may also include tetanus, malaria, infected wounds, schistosomiasis, hepatitis, parasitism (those that get inside the body by penetrating the skin and through contaminated foods and drinks), and (even maybe perhaps) rabies.

Respiratory infections, including pneumonia, tuberculosis, and asthma are lung conditions that are prevalent during the rainy season. Safety and health hazards in floodwaters include: electrocution, exposure to hazardous chemicals, injuries and trauma, drowning, and hypothermia.

Combating Flood-borne diseases

1. Use clean drinking water.

2. When you have symptoms of diarrhea, use rehydration salts to treat dehydration.

3. Prophylaxis of antibiotics is advisable in places where flooding is very common.

4. Always wash hands with soap and water before eating or handling food.

5. Wash clothes that have been in contact with floodwater. Disinfect children's toys that have been in contact with floodwater.

6. Use insect repellent. Use long-sleeved shirt and long pants when going outdoors. Eradicate breeding sites of mosquitoes. Use screen on open windows.

7. If you can't avoid but to walk on floodwaters, protect your lower extremities by putting oil or lotion that can repel contaminated floodwater. Oil repels water and vice versa.

8. Thoroughly wash or bathe yourself with soap and clean water after wading in floodwaters.

9. If you have less important things to do outdoors, just stay at home. Advise children to just stay indoors and never to play in contaminated floodwaters.

10. Consult your doctor and ask about tetanus prophylaxis and hepatitis vaccine. Mass tetanus vaccination in flood-prone areas is not recommended.

11. Go to the doctor if you have persistent symptoms of fever, diarrhea, malaise, joint pains, and yellowish discoloration of skin.