Bacolod’s rainy season, while bringing much-needed relief from the heat, also ushers in a rise in certain childhood illnesses. As a pediatrician practicing in Bacolod, I want to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to protect their children’s health during this time. This guide outlines common rainy season illnesses in our area and provides pediatrician-approved tips for prevention and care.
Common Rainy Season Illnesses in Bacolod
The increased rainfall and humidity create ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other vectors, leading to a surge in certain infections.
- Dengue Fever: A mosquito-borne viral illness characterized by high fever, severe headache, joint and muscle pain, and rash. Dengue hemorrhagic fever is a severe complication.
- Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection spread through contact with contaminated water or soil, often after flooding. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle aches, and jaundice.
- Diarrheal Diseases: Increased rainfall can lead to water contamination, increasing the risk of diarrheal illnesses caused by bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
- Common Cold and Flu: While these can occur year-round, they tend to be more prevalent during the rainy season due to increased indoor crowding and the spread of respiratory droplets.
- Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD): A contagious viral infection common in young children, characterized by sores in the mouth, hands, and feet. It spreads easily in close-contact environments like schools and daycare centers.
Pediatrician-Approved Tips for Prevention:
Prevention is always the best medicine. Here are some key strategies to protect your children:
1. Mosquito Control: Dengue Prevention:
- Eliminate breeding grounds: Regularly empty containers that can hold stagnant water, such as flower pots, tires, and gutters.
- Use mosquito repellent: Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or IR3535, following product instructions.
- Dress appropriately: Encourage children to wear long sleeves and pants, especially during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use mosquito nets: Use mosquito nets, especially for babies and young children.
2. Safe Water and Food Practices: Preventing Diarrhea and Leptospirosis:
- Drink clean water: Ensure your family drinks only safe, treated water. If unsure, boil water for at least one minute before drinking.
- Practice proper hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
- Cook food thoroughly: Cook food thoroughly and avoid consuming raw or undercooked meats.
- Avoid wading in floodwaters: Floodwaters can be contaminated with leptospirosis-causing bacteria. Keep children away from floodwaters.
3. Hygiene and Respiratory Etiquette: Limiting Colds, Flu, and HFMD:
- Frequent handwashing: Teach children the importance of handwashing and ensure they do it regularly, especially after being in public places.
- Cover coughs and sneezes: Teach children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals: Keep children away from individuals exhibiting cold or flu symptoms.
- Stay home when sick: If your child is sick, keep them home from school or daycare to prevent the spread of infection.
4. Boosting Immunity:
- Healthy diet: Provide a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to support a strong immune system.
- Adequate sleep: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, as sleep is essential for immune function.
- Regular exercise: Encourage regular physical activity to promote overall health and well-being.
Managing Illness at Home:
If your child does get sick, here are some tips for managing their illness at home:
- Rest: Ensure your child gets plenty of rest.
- Hydration: Encourage them to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Fever management: Use acetaminophen or ibuprofen (following dosage instructions) to reduce fever.
- Consult your pediatrician: If symptoms worsen or don’t improve after a few days, consult your pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
Seek immediate medical attention if your child exhibits any of the following:
- High fever that doesn’t respond to medication
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urination)
- Lethargy or unresponsiveness
- Signs of complications (e.g., difficulty breathing, severe abdominal pain, rash with fever)
Protecting Your Children in Bacolod’s Rainy Season:
By staying informed and taking preventive measures, you can help protect your children from common rainy season illnesses in Bacolod. Remember that consulting with your pediatrician is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Stay vigilant, practice good hygiene, and prioritize your child’s health and well-being during this time.
