Take care, for it is that coughing season again

COUGHING, fever, sneezing and other related illnesses are spreading like wild fire this festive season.

A lot of people have been infected, especially lately.

There are several of reasons that contribute to these illnesses especially during this hectic period of Hari Raya celebration.

For some people, they would say that these illnesses are due to reasons like the excessive consumption of carbonated drinks or inhalation of fumes from firecrackers, late nights and more.

However, according to Dr Saharuddin Pakri Mohd from Clinic Amir in Tutong, the main causes of these illnesses are due to the spread of the fever virus and that one's body immune system is weak to fight it.

He explained that not having adequate rest or sleep may cause the body to be tired, thus, causing the body's immune system to get weaker.

Dr Saharuddin went on that during this Hari Raya season, a lot of people tended to go out till late visiting their relatives and came back early in the morning and then they would go straight to work or school.

He said that due to these late outings, they tend to not to have enough rest and their body will become tired.

He added that when people were out till late, they tend to be exposed to dirty air and the weather.

Dr Saharuddin related that changes in the weather such as from hot to rainy, the haze and breeze would affect the body temperature.

"Constant exposure to these kind of weather changes also contribute towards the weakening of the body immune system," he added.

On drinking too much carbonated drink, he said that it does not contribute much.

However, he said that drinking too much carbonated drink is not good for health as it might lead to other illnesses.

He explained that for some people who were sensitive to carbonated drink or flavours, it might cause them to suffer from dizziness and fever.

Dr Saharuddin said that there were a lot of ways to avoid these sicknesses in a healthy and easy way.

He said that most importantly, people must pay extra attention to personal hygiene that includes the body, car, house, surroundings and food.

He also advised the public to drink a lot of plain water.

"This will help to stabilise the body's temperature and keep them fresh all the time," he added.

He noted it was also advisable for them to take supplements and vitamins.

"Do regular exercises such as jogging, badminton and among others to sweat, keeping fit, look good and to boost up the immune system," he advised.

Dr Saharuddin then went on saying that for those who were already infected, they were advised to take their medications according to schedule.

He said that if they were coughing instead, take lozenges that will give them relief..

When coughing, they are advised to cover their mouth with a tissue or hands. Then immediately dispose the tissue or clean the hands.

The Brunei Times