Flu Season, Heat Index & Heat Stroke

Flu Season and Influenza

• The flu season in the Philippines typically begins in October and peaks between January and February, as reported by the Department of Health (DOH).
• The flu is a respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus.
• Symptoms include fever, head and body aches, coughing, and a stuffy or runny nose.
• The flu is contagious and spreads from person to person; one infected person can spread the flu to one or two more people.
• Transmission occurs by touching the hands or face of someone who has the flu, touching contaminated objects, or through coughing, sneezing, or talking nearby.
• Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu.

Prevention of Spread

• Wash hands frequently.
• Practice cough etiquette.
• Use masks properly.

Heat Index

• Is what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature.

Heat Stroke

• Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat illness, where the body overheats and cannot cool down through sweating due to dehydration.
• Causes include hot and humid weather, vigorous exercise in hot weather, dehydration, too much direct sun exposure, and being an infant, elderly, athlete, or outdoor worker.
• Signs include high body temperature (39°C or higher), fast, strong pulse, loss of consciousness, warm, flushed skin, confusion, dizziness, and headache.

Prevention of Heat Stroke

• Limit time spent outdoors.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid tea, coffee, soda, and alcohol.
• Avoid wearing dark-colored shirts.
• Use an umbrella or wear a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeved clothing outdoors.
• Schedule heavy-duty activities for cooler times of the day.

Treatment/Emergency Measures for Heat Stroke

• Move the person to a shady spot or indoors.
• Have the person lie down with legs elevated.
• If able to drink, have the person sip cool water.
• Remove clothing, apply cool water to the skin, and fan the person.
• Apply ice packs to the armpits, wrists, ankles, and groin.