Don’t play in the rain — Dr Brodie-Mends advises

A medical officer with the Department of Internal Medicine, Dr David Brodie-Mends, has advised young people not to play in the rain since it would open them up to diseases.

He said that getting soaked in the rain for a long time would lower the body temperature, which would make it easier for them to fall ill.

Dr Brodie-Mends said the rainy season comes with diseases such as pneumonia, diarrhoea, cholera, colds and skin infections and, therefore, advised children who had asthma, sickle cell disease and allergies to protect themselves since they were more prone to getting attacks during this period. 

He added that it was important to keep children with asthma and sickle cell warm and well-hydrated during the rainy season.

According to him, basic hygiene and keeping a clean environment were also very important, especially the frequent washing of hands and covering of the mouth when one sneezed or coughed to prevent diseases.

He said young people should also avoid eating cold foods and ensure that the foods they ate were well-cooked and not exposed in the open air for a long time.

“Parents should report persistent coughs or colds to the hospital since a common cold can progress into something serious if not treated,” he added.