BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — Baguio City Health and Services Office (HSO) Head Dr. Celia Flor Brillantes is urging the public to remain vigilant as rising temperatures being experienced these days increase the risk of various illnesses.
Brillantes identified some common health concerns during hot weather like influenza (flu), waterborne and foodborne diseases, sore eyes, skin illness, and possible heat stroke.
She explained that recorded cases of flu are caused by sudden changes such as moving between air-conditioned spaces and outdoor heat which can weaken the immune system and lead to colds and cough.
Waterborne and foodborne diseases are often caused by drinking unsafe water and improper handling of food. She stressed the importance of ensuring that the sources of water are safe, as she urged everyone to be cautious when eating outside, noting reports of stomach pain linked to eating in some food establishments.
“We have also waterborne and foodborne diseases. Kaya po ‘yung ating mga tubig, dapat alam po natin ‘yung source ng tubig natin, safe ba na inumin at atin pong kinakain lalo na po sa labas may mga cases po tayo na sumasakit po ang tiyan po nila nagrereklamo po but this are controlled naman po.”
To address these risks, the HSO alerted the sanitation inspectors to monitor food safety practices especially in the central business district.
“We have also alerted our sanitation inspectors to go around the city especially sa central business districts para po i-monitor ang pag-store po ng pagkain, pag-prepare at pag-present po ng mga pagkain sa kanilang mga clients po ng ibat-ibang food establishments po natin.”
Explaining the other illnesses related to hot weather, Brillantes said sore eyes are brought by polluted air and dust that may carry bacteria and viruses that get into the mucous membrane of the eyes, noting that wearing sunglasses when going outdoors can help protect the eyes.
Skin diseases, on the other hand, may develop due to sweating and poor hygiene, that may cause very superficial skin infections like fungal infections if not addressed properly.
Although heat stroke is not common in Baguio, Brillantes warned that dehydration and dizziness can still occur. She also advised the public especially those engaging in outdoor activities to drink plenty of water, stay hydrated and drink water two hours before bedtime to reduce risk of dehydration.
The HSO continues to remind residents that simple preventive measures such as proper hydration, hygiene, and food safety awareness can go a long way in avoiding heat-related illness. **JDP/JDP-PIA CAR
