DOH: Practice hygiene to avoid diseases during summer

With the hot summer now being felt, the Department of Health on Sunday advised Filipinos to practice good hygiene to avoid diseases that come with the dry season. DOH program manager for emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases Lyndon Lee Suy said this is aside from drinking plenty of water to avoid dehydration. “Siguro ang problema natin related kadalasan sa kakulangan ng tubig sa ating katawan na nagdudulot ng dehydration. [Kadalasan sakit sa balat] lalo sa mga bata na naglalaro sa labas, nag-uumpukan. Hindi na-maintain ang kalinisan... [dapat] pinupunasan natin sila pag-uwi sa bahay," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.

Some children may even spread lice because of the lack of hygiene, he noted. He also urged people to take precautions against infectious diseases such as chickenpox and measles. In many cases, he said children with such diseases are allowed to play with their friends, infecting them in the process. “Kung may sakit ang anak natin hayaan natin sa bahay muna,” he said. For Filipinos going on summer outings, Lee Suy also discouraged the preparation of food that can easily get spoiled. He also encouraged Filipinos to bring medical or first-aid kits. — LBG, GMA News