Beware of 5 Dangerous Diseases During Songkran

During this Songkran festival, many families are planning to travel or enjoy water fights. However, everyone may mindless and forget to take care of their health. Contaminated water can carry germs and bacteria. Additionally, the strong sunlight and hot weather in Thailand increase the risk of illnesses. Today, we bring you "5 Dangerous Diseases During Songkran" to remind everyone to stay cautious and prevent these diseases while enjoying the festival.

Cold and Pneumonia

When the body gets hot from the hot weather and intense sunlight, and then exposed to very cold water or gets wet for long periods, it causes a rapid change in body temperature. This can lead to symptoms such as sore throat, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and fever. If the condition worsens, the mucus may become thicker, requiring medication to treat the symptoms. But don't worry, the symptoms should improve within 1-2 weeks.
Prevention Methods
Avoid playing in very cold water or playing for too long. If you start feeling feverish or unwell, stop playing in the water immediately and see a doctor. Continuing to play despite feeling unwell can make the symptoms worse and may even lead to a cold or pneumonia.

Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

If we come into contact with dirty water, such as canal water or water mixed with harmful substances like powder or dye, and it gets into our eyes or if we rub our eyes with unclean hands, it can cause an eye infection. This may lead to symptoms such as swelling, redness, eye pain, burning sensations, or watery eyes. In some cases, you may also notice visible blood vessels in your eyes.
Prevention Methods

Avoid playing in dirty water and do not rub your eyes. If you experience eye irritation, redness, pain, or if something foreign gets into your eyes, rinse your eyes with clean water. If the symptoms not improve, seek medical attention immediately. 

Heat Stroke

Prolonged exposure to intense heat can cause the body to overheat and sweat excessively. If the body cannot adjust quickly enough, the blood and electrolytes in the body may become too concentrated. This can lead to symptoms such as extreme thirst, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness, low blood pressure, or even shock, with the risk of fainting. A key sign to watch for is when the body is extremely hot but there is no sweating at all. In such cases, you should seek medical attention immediately, as this may be a sign that the body needs help.

Prevention Methods

Avoid standing in direct sunlight for too long. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to shield yourself from the sun if you must be outside. Drink 1-2 glasses of water before leaving the house on extremely hot days. Avoid alcoholic beverages, and if you feel overheated, rest in a shaded area and wipe your body with water at normal temperature to cool down. If the symptoms do not improve, seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Food Poisoning

Hot and dry weather is ideal for germs to growth, making food spoil more easily and increasing the risk of contamination. Eating or drinking unclean food or water can lead to food poisoning, diarrhea, or cholera, which can even be fatal in severe cases.

Prevention Methods

Choose cooked and clean food, especially during hot weather. Avoid eating foods with coconut milk or dairy, as well as raw food. Do not consume leftovers that have been stored for too long. Most importantly, remember to wash your hands before cooking, eating, and after using the restroom.

Skin Diseases

During the hot season, we often encounter skin problems because the skin may not be properly cleaned, making it more susceptible to bacterial infections. For example, during Songkran, playing in unclean water can lead to bacterial infections, causing conditions like ringworm, fungal infections, rashes, or itching in moist areas. If the condition worsens, it can lead to wounds and further infections.

Prevention Methods 

Avoid playing in dirty water, wear clothing that is not too thick or tight, and maintain better personal hygiene. If you notice any rashes or skin irritations, consult a doctor immediately.

Precautions for Playing Water During Songkran

If the water we are playing in is not clean, we should rinse our eyes with clean water if any gets into them. In case of water being accidentally swallowed, the risk of illness depends on the amount of germs and the quality of the water. If the water contains few germs, it may not cause illness, but if the water is inhaled through the nose, we need to monitor for symptoms such as fever, runny nose, or headaches. All of these can be prevented by using clean water when playing Songkran.

Even though these risks are something to be cautious about, don’t let it ruin the fun of playing water during Songkran! The 5 diseases we've shared are to help everyone stay aware and take care of their health. If you experience any abnormal symptoms, it’s important to consult a doctor immediatly. For more details, you can contact Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi at 1208.

Reference: gedgoodlife / amarinbabyandkids