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With the official start of the rainy season, the Department of Health urged the public to take precautions against diseases that are common during this time of the year.

According to DOH spokesperson Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, influenza or flu is a year-round disease but it is prevalent during the wet season.

Patrice Barrientos, a mother, recalled how nervous she was when her eight-month old baby acquired the flu.

“Kinakabahan ako, ‘di na ako natutulog [kasi] binabantayan ko s’ya. Talagang maririnig mo na ‘yung plema nya kasi ‘di n’ya mailabas lahat. Iba na ‘yung climate dahil sa alikabok [tapos]minsan sobrang init,” Barrientos said.

Other diseases that peak during the rainy season are leptospirosis, dengue fever, and diarrhea.

A person can also get sick from floodwaters that may enter the water pipeline. When contaminated water is consumed, it may cause stomach cramps or vomiting.

Suy says practicing good hygiene is a good way to protect yourself from disease.

“Nandoon pa rin dapat ‘yung paghuhugas ng kamay [at] pag-uwi ng bahay ay maglinis pa rin ng mga parte ng katawan,” Suy said.

Using an antibacterial soap is likewise helpful to kill bacteria.