Singapore is off to a wet start to the year, with thundery showers over parts of the island still expected on some days. Our immune system weakens between the air-conditioned indoors and the intense humidity outside, and we fall sick.
Additionally, staying indoors brings us near other people. This makes us more susceptible to germs and viruses. Most respiratory illnesses or infections present common symptoms such as coughs and sore throats. Those suffering from allergic rhinitis would experience nasal congestion and a runny nose.
It isn’t too late to safeguard against these common ailments during the rainy season. Some precautions include getting a flu shot, wearing a mask, and boosting your immunity with vitamin supplements.
If you’re starting to feel under the weather, here are some of the common ailments during the rainy season and how to treat them:
- Cough
Increased humidity and dampness in the air make us more susceptible to infections. Coughs are our body’s natural reflex to clear the lungs of irritants this damp air brings.
There are two types of cough—dry or wet. People suffering from a dry cough can try suppressants or a dry cough syrup like Tonin Cough Syrup S to block the coughing reflex.
For wet coughs, expectorants can help to thin out the mucus, while cough lozenges like Sato Throat Troche ease throat discomfort. - Sore Throat
Sore throat is a common ailment during this season. They also form the conditions for the growth of infection causing viruses and bacteria. Some home remedies for this situation are gargling warm saltwater or drinking hot tea with honey and lemon. Rainwater also carries pollutants, which can further irritate the throat.
Medicines like Acetaminophen and sore throat lozenges such as New Tonin Troche L help treat sore throat. - Fever
Cooler temperatures and higher humidity are ideal conditions for viruses to spread. Common viral infections during this season include influenza and the common cold, with fevers as a symptom. Fevers come with a host of other discomforts such as body aches, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Fevers usually go away with enough rest. But you can get temporary relief with a cold compress like Stona Cooling Gel Pad on your forehead or pain relievers like Stona Cold Tablets. - Phlegm and Mucus build-up
The rains bring with them high levels of humidity. This can cause excessive phlegm and mucus build-up in individuals with respiratory conditions.
Drinking warm beverages can help to try and remove the phlegm. If coughing is caused by mucus, try taking a cough suppressant like Tonin Cough Syrup S. To ease nasal congestion at night, inhale steam and use a nasal spray.
While the rains are a welcome relief from the heat, it also increases the incidence of common ailments. With simple precautions and a little preparedness, you can minimise the impact of these common ailments on your day-to-day life.
