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.