Rainy Season Diseases You Shouldn’t Ignore

The habagat, or southwest monsoon, brings heavy rains and widespread flooding to many parts of the Philippines and other tropical countries. While the rains offer relief from the summer heat, they also get a surge in seasonal illnesses. Understanding these common rainy-season diseases can help you take steps to protect yourself and your family.

When It Rains, It Spreads

Rainy-season illnesses increase due to a combination of factors. Flooding can contaminate drinking water and spread bacteria, while stagnant pools of water become breeding grounds for mosquitoes.

Overcrowding in shelters or homes during storms can also contribute to the spread of respiratory infections. These conditions and limited access to clean water and sanitation during heavy rains make disease outbreaks more likely.

Waterborne Diseases to Watch Out For

Waterborne diseases are among the most common health threats during the rainy season.

• Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection often caused by contact with flood water contaminated by rat urine.
• Cholera spreads through the consumption of contaminated water or food and can lead to severe dehydration.
• Typhoid fever is caused by bacteria in unsafe drinking water or food, leading to high fever and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Tiny Bites: Mosquito-Borne Illnesses

Mosquito populations rise dramatically during the rainy season, increasing the risk of diseases like dengue fever, chikungunya, and malaria in some rural areas.

• These illnesses are transmitted by different types of mosquitoes, with dengue and chikungunya prevalent in urban areas.
• Symptoms often include fever, joint pain, and rash.

Cough, Cold, and More

Cold, damp, and humid weather weakens the body’s defenses, making spreading viruses and bacteria easier.

• Common illnesses include the common cold, flu, and pneumonia.
• These often start with cough, sore throat, and fever and can become serious—especially for children, older people, and those with weakened immunity.
• Influenza spreads quickly in crowded spaces, while pneumonia, a severe lung infection, can lead to hospitalization.

Diarrhea and Skin Infections

Heavy rains often lead to a rise in diarrheal diseases and skin infections due to poor sanitation and prolonged exposure to wet, unsanitary environments.

• Diarrhea commonly results from consuming improperly prepared food or contaminated water—especially during floods or water supply disruptions.

• Skin infections, such as fungal infections, rashes, and boils, are more common when people wear damp clothing for long periods or come into contact with dirty floodwater.

These conditions can worsen if left untreated, particularly in children and those with sensitive skin or weakened immune systems.

Your Guide to Staying Healthy When It Rains

To protect your health during the rainy season, follow these tips:

• Drink only clean, boiled, or purified water
• Avoid walking through floodwaters when possible
• Use insect repellents and sleep under mosquito nets
• Empty and cover containers that may collect water
• Wash your hands frequently
• Keep your skin dry and clean
• Get your annual flu shot
• Practice good hygiene
• Seek medical help if you experience symptoms like fever, rashes, or gastrointestinal distress

Prevention is the best defense against rainy-season illnesses.

Stay Safe, Stay Healthy

Habagat brings not just heavy rains and flooding, but also a higher risk of real—yet preventable—health dangers.

You can protect yourself and your loved ones with proper hygiene, awareness, and early medical attention. Stay informed, take preventive steps, and support your community in staying safe and healthy throughout the season.

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