WHEN IT'S RAINY SEASON!

When the rainy season comes, it is the perfect time to sleep tightly and eat some foods suited for this season. Unfortunately, this is not the case. Many people enjoy raindrops while others aren’t, like me. Some of them have a reason why they hate the rainy season: Power breakdowns traffic congestion disease-carrying insects, and more. But what is the main point?

The point is when any kind of season comes, there are problems that can destroy life, nature, and society. It brings some positive effects but the bad effects of it, will be more noticeable. At the arrival of the month of May, there will be a lot of news about the various diseases caused by the rainy season. One of the things people should consider is their health because there is a saying that ‘’Health is wealth.’’

There is a disease called W.I.L.D that is coming with the rainy season, but some people are not aware of that. As stated by the National Epidemiology Center (NEC) of the Department of Health (DOH), the communicable diseases that are common during the rainy season go by the acronym WILD, which stands for Water-borne infectious diseases, Influenza, Leptospirosis, and Dengue. As Regional Director Dr. Napoleon L. Arevalo said, people should be prepared and well informed about the health risks to prevent them. WILD diseases are usually more prevalent every wet season. It was his advice for the public to have enough rest, exercise,

and maintain a healthy diet to boost the body’s resistance.

What’s in your mind about ‘’W’’ also known as ‘’Water-Borne infectious diseases’’ from the acronym WILD? ‘’The occurrence of outbreaks of water-borne infectious diseases could be affected by water scarcity at different degrees depending on the level of water scarcity, the density of population, degree of economic development, presence in the area of wild and farmed animals, etc.,’’ (Juan et.al, 2010).

The ‘’I’’ as ‘’Influenza,’ ’influenza virus is transmissible from one human to another and from one species to another, as well as the immune system interacts with the virus, will require the active collaboration and unencumbered work of many scientific groups (Peter, 2004).

''L’’ as ‘’ Leptospirosis’’ is a zoonosis found worldwide, the main reservoir of which is the rat. Human infection generally results from exposure to contaminated river or lake water or animals,’’ (Picardeau, 2013).

And, ‘’D’’ as ‘’Dengue,’’ is the most common mosquito-borne viral disease in humans. The spread of both mosquito vectors and viruses has led to the resurgence of

epidemic dengue fever (a self-limited flu-like syndrome) and the emergence of dengue hemorrhagic fever (severe dengue with bleeding abnormalities) in urban centers of the tropics (Raymond et.al, 2005). Furthermore, DOH said that WILD diseases can be prevented by: the most effective way to prevent a communicable disease is through immunization or vaccination. Of the common rainy season diseases, vaccines are available for influenza and hepatitis. Have

yourself immunized with these vaccines if you haven’t done, yet. Employ rain gear such as umbrellas and raincoats to avoid rain and cold weather exposure. Avoid crowded and poorly ventilated areas. Fourth, avoid close contact with people who appear unwell and have fever and

cough. Drink only safe water, Boil water if in doubt.

Refrain from eating food bought from sidewalk vendors to prevent food-borne diseases. Drain stagnant water from open containers such as drums and old tires, which are the breeding places of mosquitoes. Ensure that drains and gutters and sewage lines are not clogged. Do not wade or swim in floodwaters to prevent leptospirosis. And, observe good personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. Wash of hands with soap and water especially before eating or touching the eyes and nose with the hands. We should consider first is our health because there is a saying that ‘’Health is wealth.’’ Being healthy is a way to survive in this world, we can avoid contracting any disease that greatly affects life, nature, society. It’s Rainy Season, Be Safe!