The Department of Health (DOH) warned the public against common diseases associated with the rising temperature during the dry season. “We are just waiting for PAGASA to declare the start really of the summer season. Alam po natin na kapag tag-init dito sa ating bansa, may mga sakit po tayo na binabantayan (We know that when it's summer here in our country, we have diseases that we watch out for),” said DOH Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario Vergeire in a recent press briefing. Vegeire warned the people, especially senior citizens,  against heat stroke and dehydration. “Kapag lumalabas po tayo, laging tatandaan na dapat magdadala tayo lagi ng tubig na pang hydrate natin. Magdala tayo ng sombrero para matakpan natin ang ating ulo at magsuot ng  (When we go out, always bring water to stay hydrated. Wear a hat to cover your head and wear) light clothing so that we will not really be affected by this,” she said. The public should also monitor their blood pressure during the dry season. “Yung ating vulnerable population: nakakatanda at maysakit—-pag sobrang init tinataasan ng presyon. So magiingat din tayo at laging magpakonsulta sa ating mga doktor (The vulnerable population such as the elderly and those with comorbidities—when it's too hot, their [blood] pressure increases. Be careful and always consult your doctors),” she said. Conjunctivitis or sore eyes is also common during the hot weather. Also, the public should  practice good personal hygiene to avoid skin diseases, said Vergeire. “Pag may nangangati na sa ating balat, magpatingin na agad sa ating health center para malunasan na agad at hindi na po makapanghawa (If you experience itching on the skin, seek consultation at the health center to treat it immediately and prevent it from spreading),” she said. The public should also be wary of food spoilage. Vergeire also advised the public to ensure that their drinking water is clean. “Kapag hindi po tayo sigurado doon sa ating tubig na iinumin, pakuluan po natin by at least three minutes para lamang po madisinfect natin siya at maging safe ito for your consumption (When we are not sure about our drinking water, let's boil it for at least three minutes just so we can disinfect it and make sure it is  safe for consumption),” she said.