How to Stay Safe During the Rainy Season in the Time of COVID-19

In tropical countries such as the Philippines, particular diseases tend to spike up in cases during the rainy season. Due to environmental influences, cases of colds, pneumonia, and the ever-notorious dengue naturally peak and threaten the well-being of many. Statistics show that there have been 71,785 dengue cases in the country this year as of October 2020.

The stormy season has become unpredictable lately, so people need to prepare early. And with the world still in the middle of a pandemic, catching an illness during the rainy months is the last thing you want. A cold can worsen the respiratory effects of COVID-19, which may potentially put your life in danger.

The good news is there are preventive measures you can take. Apart from practicing good hygiene, you can further strengthen your defenses by cleaning your surroundings and making a few lifestyle changes. To help keep you and your loved ones safe, the guide below will give you coronavirus safety tips during the rainy season.

Five Ways to Keep Yourself Safe During the Rainy Season

1. Make sure to cook food thoroughly
   
   Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of rainy season illnesses. In 2017, figures showed that it has caused over 4,600 deaths in the country. If you have kids, you need to be extra vigilant since they can easily acquire this disease.
   
   Besides keeping dirty toys away from your little ones, the best way to prevent diarrhea is to thoroughly cook your meals. Raw food and contaminated water are filled with bacteria and other harmful microorganisms, so make it a point to double-check on them. Don’t forget to take note of expiry dates as well, since spoiled food can also lead to complications.
   
   
2. Buy things online instead of going out
   
   Considering the risks that come with public exposure, it’s best to minimize your trips to commercial establishments. The government may be easing quarantine restrictions, but this doesn’t mean that going to the mall, grocery, or restaurant is now safe. If you want to buy certain products, going online will provide safety and convenience.
   
   Thanks to the introduction of delivery applications and shopping platforms, you can practically buy anything from the comfort of your own home. If you do have a package arriving soon, take note of these safety measures since the virus can also linger on surfaces.
   
   
   • Wear a mask and other preventive equipment before coming into contact with the delivery person. If you touched money, wash your hands immediately.
   • If your package is non-perishable, disinfect the item and leave it outside your door for a few hours.
   • For perishable goods, throw away the outer packaging and immediately place your food in the refrigerator.
   • Disinfect the surfaces your packages have touched and clean your hands thoroughly.
   • If symptoms start to manifest, get in touch with the necessary personnel and seek medical treatment immediately.
      
3. Find and throw away mosquito nesting areas
   
   When it comes to grave illnesses such as dengue, prevention will always be better than cure. Unlike COVID-19, which is commonly transmitted from person-to-person, dengue is primarily caused by environmental factors. Ultimately, preventing the disease will require you to clean your surroundings.
   
   To give you an easier time searching for mosquito nesting grounds, always remember that they tend to settle in stagnant water. Apart from clearing out ponds and puddles, you need to check your trash bin, drains, and other small containers. Anything that accumulates water can be a breeding site, so throwing them away will keep your family safe.
   
   Note: Prevent dengue by implementing the 4-S strategy in your household.
   
   
4. Get a wellness plan
   
   The best way to secure a happy and comfortable future is to give yourself a safety net. You and your loved ones may currently be in good health but consider your future. Since there’s no way to predict when a critical illness or an accident may occur, the best thing you can do is to get yourself covered.
   
   With this in mind, you should start looking at different wellness plans. In the event of sickness, having an insurance policy to rely on will help you pay off medical expenses and entitle you to numerous benefits. If you’re currently searching for one, don’t hesitate to set a virtual appointment with one of our Bancassurance Sales Executives to learn more.
   
   
5. Stay active
   
   Given that you have extra hours to spend, you can make the most out of it by working out. Exercise is a very productive activity during this period since it helps boost your immune system while keeping your mental health in check.
   
   If you’ve never followed a workout routine in your life, don’t fret. You’ll be glad to know that there are tons of beginner programs you can find online. From yoga to calisthenics, exploring will help you determine which fitness methods work best for you.

Stay Safe and Healthy

Times may be difficult, but don’t let pandemic get the best of you. As long as you take preventive measures, it will be easier for you to keep COVID-19 and other rainy season illnesses at bay. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or relative to keep them informed!

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