Wet weather checklist: Essentials for staying dry, worry-free this rainy season

The rainy season brings a welcome break from the scorching summer heat, but it also means spending longer days indoors and dealing with illnesses that can spread through floodwaters. The GMA Public Affairs weekend health program “Pinoy MD” has come up with a checklist of things you need to stay healthy, safe, and entertained this rainy season.

Stay safe
Raincoat, rain boots, and umbrella
A simple item like a raincoat provides great protection. Staying dry is good, basic protection against common rainy season illnesses such as fever, flu, cough and colds. For even more protection, level up that water-resistant raincoat and get one with a hood attached.

The bottom half of our bodies shouldn’t go unprotected, either. Floodwater can carry diseases like leptospirosis, which comes from the urine and droppings of rats, and commonly infects humans who wade in with even the smallest of cuts on their feet.

Of course, an umbrella is also essential. Invest in one large enough to adequately protect you from wind and rain, but that can also fold small enough to fit in your bag.

And while you’re at it, have fun choosing rainy day fashion that suits your particular style. You might be more inclined to wear your gear if it makes you look good!

Citronella lotion
Citronella is an all-natural insect repellent that helps guard against mosquitos, which bring serious illnesses like chikungunya, which causes fever and severe joint pain that may last for years; and dengue, a potentially fatal disease which rises in occurrence every rainy season.

Citronella comes in several forms, such as sprays, lotions, and creams. For kids who may not remember to re-apply the sprays, there are bracelets that contain a block of condensed citronella oil for round-the-clock protection.

Flu vaccination
The Department of Health advises the public to get their vaccinations against influenza, cases of which rise during the rainy season. The flu attacks the respiratory system and can spread to others when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Make sure to get your flu shots every year. But if you’ve already come down with the disease, take antiviral agents right away and get rest.

Alcohol
Wading in flood waters can easily cause fungal infections on your feet. If your feet get wet after a walk in the rain, make sure to remove your shoes immediately when you get home and clean your feet with with alcohol. If you’re suffering from “alipunga” or athlete’s foot, make sure to apply anti-fungal cream and foot powder to your feet.

Stay worry-free
In case of brownouts or getting stranded at home, it’s good to be ready with supplies to last you several days. Here are some recommendations:

• Flashlight / battery operated lamp
• Canned goods
• Bottled water for drinking

You can also download GMA’s free IMReady app on the Google Play Store for Android users or AppStore for Apple users. The app compiles data on the weather, traffic, floods, class suspensions, and power interruptions, among others.

IMReady is powered by GMA News and Public Affairs and GMA New Media, with data from The Weather Company, Project NOAH-ClimateX, PAGASA, MMDA and Waze. Check out the desktop version here.

Stay entertained
Movies or books
When the rain causes work and classes to be cancelled, make sure you’ve saved books and DVDs to keep you company. How about the classic “Singing in the Rain” or a marathon of the ultra-addictive “Game of Thrones?” Now’s the time to waste some time.

Board games
With storms come electrical brownouts. And with brownouts come boredom. Stock up on board and card games to turn the downtime into quality time with the whole family. –Cristina Tantengco/PF, GMA News