The Department of Health (DOH) reminded Filipinos to keep themselves hydrated this dry season to prevent them from having heat-related illnesses.
“Ang atin pong paalala sa ating mga mamamayan ay yung laging rehydration. Laging umiinom ng tubig, iwasan yung sobra, labis na exposure sa init ng araw dahil magkakaroon po tayo ng heat stroke o heat exhaustion o dehydration lalo na po sa mga matatanda (Our reminder to our citizens is always rehydration. Always drink water and avoid too much exposure to sun heat because this may cause heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or dehydration, especially among the elderly people),” said Health Secretary Francisco Duque III on Thursday, March 17.
Duque also said that the public should make sure that their drinking water is safe to avoid illnesses.
“Siguraduhin na ang tubig ay malinis. Kung hindi bottled, pakuluan ng tatlong minuto para nakakasiguro tayo na hindi ito maging sanhi ng typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, at iba-iba pang sakit dahil sa maduming tubig na iniinom (Make sure that the drinking water is clean. If it is not bottled, boil it for three minutes so that we can make sure that it will not cause typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, or other diseases),” he said.
It is also important to limit sun exposure to avoid sunburn, said the Health chief.
“Kung hindi maiiwasan, maglagay ng sunblock. Dagdag proteksyon din ito para sa balat at para sa ibang karamdaman na pwedeng mangyari if sobrang exposed. Paggamit ng payong at syempre yung sinisigurong sapat ang bentilasyon (If it is unavoidable, use a sunblock. It also adds protection for the skin and can prevent other ailments due to overexposure to the sun. Also, use an umbrella and make sure there is sufficient ventilation),” he added.
The public should expect warmer weather in the coming days as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) officially declared on Wednesday, March 16, the start of the dry season.