DOH exec comes up with tips as Luzon deals with floods anew

Residents affected by heavy rain brought by Tropical Storm Mario (Fung-Wong) should make sure their drinking water is properly boiled for it to be safe for drinking.

 

National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Enrique Tayag also advised residents who wade in floods to consult a doctor before taking antibiotics.

 

"Boil (drinking water) when it begins to roll (kumulo) boil for three minutes only," Tayag said on his Twitter account.
 

He also said people can use household bleach to chlorinate drinking water, but advised that they use unscented bleach.

 

"Add two drops for every one liter (and) wait 30 minutes before use," he said.
 

Cloudy water may be made safe to drink but if one filters it with cheesecloth then boils or chlorinates it with four drops for every one liter of water.

On the other hand, Tayag cautioned residents against taking antibiotics immediately after wading in floodwaters.

 

He was particularly asked on Twitter about the use of doxycycline after wading in floodwaters.

 

Doxycycline is used to treat bacterial infections including pneumonia and respiratory tract infections.

 

"Ask your doctor first," Tayag said.

 

Meanwhile, Tayag also issued other tips including:

 

- canned food is convenient during bad weather but not very healthy or nutritious; 

- place important documents/photos in a ziplock bag;

- check your medicine cabinet and remove expired medicines; and

- get a list of emergency numbers; for the Department of Health, use 711-1001. —Joel Locsin/NB, GMA News