Health ⁣Hazards to Watch Out‌ for⁤ During Floods

Potential Health​ Risks

• Poisonous insects or animals such​ as snakes, ​scorpions, millipedes, bites, stings, etc.

Precautions to ‌Take

• Inspect your surroundings and clothing​ before ⁤putting them⁤ on.
• Store items and appliances in an orderly fashion.
• If you encounter⁤ a poisonous animal, exercise caution and seek expert assistance.

According to Dr. Arkhom Chaiweerawatana, ⁣director of⁣ Mettapracharak Hospital (Wat⁤ Rai ​Khing), ‌climate change ⁤can lead to flooding, which in turn can cause the spread of diseases such as dengue fever, influenza, ​avian influenza, pneumonia, acute diarrhea, leptospirosis, and mosquito-borne ⁢diseases.

Conjunctivitis, also ​known as pink ⁣eye, is ‍a significant concern during‍ floods.⁢ The⁣ humid and cold weather creates an ideal environment for germ growth, putting⁤ people with weak immunity at risk of respiratory and skin diseases, ​as well ⁤as eye infections.

Floodwater can contain ‍viruses or bacteria that can cause eye⁤ infections. If dirty water enters the eyes, infection can⁤ occur quickly. Symptoms include⁢ inflammation, severe eye irritation, and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult an ophthalmologist.

Understanding ‍Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a highly contagious ⁢disease that can spread quickly, ⁣especially during floods. The risk of eye infections is high, particularly conjunctivitis or red eyes, which can⁢ be caused by viruses or bacteria entering the eyes.

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, irritation, burning, and tearing in the white part of the eyes. ⁢If‍ caused by a viral ⁢infection, the eyelids may be swollen, and ‍there may be a lot of eye discharge. If ⁤caused by bacteria, there may ⁤be green or ⁣yellow eye discharge, tearing, and blurred vision.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

• Redness and irritation in ‌the ⁣white part of‌ the eyes
• Burning ⁢and ⁤tearing
• Swollen‍ eyelids
• Eye discharge (green or yellow if⁣ caused by bacteria)
• Blurred vision

Preventing Pink Eye

• Avoid ⁤close contact with sick people.
• Refrain from sharing items with sick ⁤people, such ⁤as handkerchiefs and protective towels.
• Avoid dust or dirty water getting ​into your​ eyes.
• Maintain ‍cleanliness and⁤ wash your hands thoroughly.
• Avoid touching your eyes frequently with ‌your ⁣hands.
• Wear sunglasses to⁢ protect yourself from dust and wind.
• Be careful not to let ⁤insects or foreign objects enter the eye.

Treating Conjunctivitis

If you experience ⁤symptoms of conjunctivitis, rest and⁣ take time off from work ⁣until they disappear to reduce the spread of‍ the disease. Use⁣ artificial tears to help with severe eye irritation and consult an ophthalmologist for further treatment.

Preventing⁢ Eye‌ Diseases During Floods

• Wash ‌your face and eyes thoroughly with ‍clean water if they get dirty.
• Supervise children ‌when they play in or⁤ near ​water to prevent ⁣drowning or bites from poisonous animals.
• Dispose of waste properly and ⁤avoid throwing it into⁣ floodwaters.
• Eat cooked, warm, and ⁢clean ‌food to prevent food poisoning and diarrhea.
• Wear boots when wading through water and clean your ⁤body thoroughly afterward.