How to get protected from summer borne Diseases during Exams

Tips to stay healthy during examination period and beyond
Take effective precautions against contagious diseases

Two seasons are currently dominating the country; one is summer while the other is EXAMS. Nowadays, Secondary, Intermediate and Cambridge boards have started conducting their annual exams and students all across the country are busy in their studies.

Students have to face many challenges during these days because the weather is too hot and the seasonal diseases are victimizing many citizens. Heat alerts are constantly being signaled through media, alarming people to take preventive measures against this harsh summer. Moreover, there are many summer borne diseases that are spreading across the country and targeting population.

It’s very essential for the students to take extra measures against such illnesses as students are already facing exam oriented stress and fatigue. Here are some description, symptoms and treatment of summer diseases which usually hit students and other workers.

Mosquito borne illnesses:

Malaria, Dengue and Chicken Gunya are common mosquito bite illnesses which are hitting almost every region of Pakistan. It is better to get prevented from mosquito exposures to get saved from their bites.

Precautionary measures:

An insect repellent is the best way that can protect you.
Mosquitoes are active at dawn and dusk therefore it is recommended not to go outside in such timings or to apply repellent while going outside.
Mosquitoes are found near stagnant water, therefore cover your utensils filled with water and avoid sitting near ponds and pools.
Spraying mosquito insecticide in homes and regular use of mosquito repellant coils, slow release solution or repellant mats are necessary.

Treatment options:

If God-forbid anybody catches a fever with shivering, extreme joint pains and rashes ,he/she should immediately consult a physician and has his lab test done for such mosquito born disease diagnoses.

Generally Acetaminophen (Panadol) is prescribed in such diseases but in case of Malaria specific medicinal course is mandatory.
Papaya tree leaves and apple juice are given to Dengue patients to raise their platelet counts which get diminished during the disease.
Healthy diet with lots of water for hydration is also recommended.

Allergy and Asthma:

The summer months are quite dusty and a great population of students suffers from seasonal allergies and Asthma attack. Constant coughing, itching in eyes, intense sneezing, watery nasal discharge from the nose are the common symptoms of allergic reactions.

Precautionary measures:

If your examination hall is in a dusty area, wear a filter face mask when you go out to attend your exams.
Avoid studying in gardens and also avoid smelling flowers.
Wash your hair before going to bed to remove pollen or other allergens.
Avoid pets during these days as their fur and secretions trigger allergy.
It is better to remove unnecessary furniture or carpets from your home and also avoid sweeping and dusting.
Wear glazed sun glasses to prevent eye allergy. It can protect your eyes from dust, sun rays and rays from digital screens.
Do nasal lavage with saline solution one hour before going to bed and elevate your head slightly while sleeping.
Close the windows while sleeping; air conditioning is better than room coolers to avoid asthma attacks.
Asthma patients should be very cautious and carry their fast-acting inhaler or medication to the examination hall.

Treatment options:

Antihistamine drugs are generally taken to combat allergy but you should consult your doctor while asthma patients should use their prescribed specific medications. Home or herbal remedies are also ery effective but it should be authentic and safe.

Food Borne Illnesses:

Majority of students rely on fast food during exams as they are readily available and tastes good but it is highly recommended to eat fresh home- made food during exams to prevent food borne illnesses. Gastroenteritis, viral hepatitis, typhoid and paratyphoid fever, cholera, dysentery, E-coli diarrhea, giardiasis and intestinal worms are common food borne diseases.

Precautionary Measures:

To prevent such diseases during or after exams the diet you are consuming should be homemade, fresh and clean.
It is mandatory to maintain proper food temperatures at home also as if food is left at a warm place it gets rotten.
Try to avoid those foods that contain preservatives or food colors.
Drink clean and boiled water from reliable resources.
Avoid packaged or tinned food.
Microwave according to the given instruction.
Reduce consumption of caffeine.
Avoid oily, fried and processed foods.
Have more fresh fruits and vegetables like salads.
Hydrating foods like cucumbers, watermelon, mangoes and melons should be mostly consumed.
If you are suffering from dysentery, vomiting nausea then use banana or yogurt.
Don’t forget to sip Oral rehydrating solution (ORS).