The Department of Health (DOH) on Tuesday, April 2 addressed concerns regarding a “recycled false information” circulating on social media about how to deal with extreme heat.
The “misleading” advice suggested avoiding cold water consumption when exposed to extreme temperatures ranging from 40 to 50°C.
It also claimed that drinking cold water while it was hot could cause blood vessels to burst, resulting in a stroke.
The false information also advised against immediately washing hands or feet, as well as not wetting or washing sun-exposed areas.
DOH Assistant Secretary and Deputy Spokesperson Albert Domingo corrected these false statements in a Viber message to the Manila Bulletin.
"The correct medical advice is to avoid exposure to hot environments and to always hydrate with clean drinking water," Domingo said, stressing the significance of following the right medical advice.
In contrast to the circulating post, the DOH official clarified that "drinking cold water does not lead to vascular damage."
“Taking showers or baths or washing body parts to relieve oneself from heat is the right thing to do,” he said.
Domingo advised everyone to avoid the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
He also asked the public to follow the DOH's official and verified social media accounts or verify health advice with medical professionals before acting upon it or disseminating it. (Zekinah Elize Espina)