Protecting health during the flood season and responding to infectious diseases and skin diseases scientifically

Author: Fan Ruirui, MD, Xiamen University Xiang'an Hospital

Reviewer: Zhang Bo, Professor and Chief Physician, Peking University Third Hospital

Against the backdrop of global climate change, especially the combined effects of the global warming trend and the natural attenuation of the El Niño phenomenon, my country has faced unprecedented rainfall challenges this year. Since the start of the flood season, more than a thousand rivers across the country have broken through warning water levels and floods have raged. We are well aware that natural disasters are often followed by the quiet growth of health risks, especially the significantly increased risk of infectious diseases and skin diseases. Therefore, this article will provide the public with an in-depth analysis of the diseases that should be focused on after the flood season, as well as how to protect health through scientific and effective measures.

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1. Prevention and control of infectious diseases during flood season: scientific early warning and precise measures

1. The hidden threat of intestinal infectious diseases

In an environment ravaged by floods, contaminated water and food become the main channels for the spread of intestinal infectious diseases. The pathogens of bacterial diarrhea such as typhoid, dysentery, and cholera, as well as viral diarrhea caused by rotavirus and enteric adenovirus, spread through floods. After invading the human body, they trigger inflammatory reactions in the intestines, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting, and even endangering life in severe cases. The invasion and destruction of the intestinal mucosa by these pathogens is the key to the occurrence and development of the disease. Therefore, ensuring the safety of drinking water and food, and strictly preventing and controlling "diseases from the mouth" is the first line of defense against intestinal infectious diseases.

2. Potential risks of natural epidemic infectious diseases

The flood season is also the peak period for natural epidemic infectious diseases such as hemorrhagic fever and leptospirosis. The pathogens of these diseases are mostly found in rodents, mosquitoes and other vectors, and are transmitted through direct contact or bites to humans. After these pathogens invade the human body, they can cause damage to multiple organs throughout the body, and the condition is complicated and serious. Therefore, in addition to strengthening mosquito and rodent prevention, improving living environment hygiene, and reducing close contact between people and animals, the public should also enhance their awareness of self-protection, avoid entering high-risk areas, and reduce the chance of infection.

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2. Prevention and treatment of skin diseases during the flood season: Careful care and avoid harm

1. Skin infection: microbial invasion in a moist environment

During the flood season, people are immersed in sewage for a long time, and the high temperature and humidity provide ideal breeding conditions for pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Bacterial infections often cause redness, swelling, heat and pain on the skin, while fungal infections may cause erythematous papules or blisters. These infections not only affect the appearance of the skin, but may also cause deep tissue infections and even lead to serious consequences such as sepsis. Therefore, keeping the skin dry, getting out of the water to rest regularly and washing the skin are crucial to preventing skin infections. Once symptoms of infection appear, you should seek medical attention in time, and choose appropriate antibiotics or antifungal drugs for treatment according to the different pathogens.

2. Troubles with allergic skin diseases

Continuous moisture stimulation and damaged skin barrier make allergic skin diseases such as eczema, dermatitis, and urticaria particularly common after the flood. These diseases not only affect the daily quality of life of patients, but may also cause sleep disorders due to unbearable itching. The occurrence of allergic skin diseases is closely related to abnormal reactions of the immune system. Therefore, for people with a history of allergies or a family history, more attention should be paid to prevention, such as maintaining a light diet, reducing the stimulation of chemical substances, and using anti-allergic drugs.

3. Hidden dangers of mosquito bites

Mosquitoes are not only a "frequent visitor" in summer, but also a vector of many infectious diseases. After the flood season, with the increase of stagnant water and changes in the environment, the reproduction rate of mosquitoes will accelerate, and the frequency of biting humans will also increase. Mosquito bites will not only cause local skin inflammation, but also may spread serious infectious diseases such as epidemic encephalitis B, dengue fever and malaria. Therefore, it is very important to do a good job of mosquito prevention, such as using mosquito repellents, wearing long-sleeved clothing, and avoiding going out during mosquito active hours. Once serious symptoms after mosquito bites appear, you should seek medical attention in time to avoid delaying the condition.

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Conclusion

Facing the dual challenges of natural disasters and health risks, we should work together to build a health defense line. I hope everyone can enhance their awareness of self-protection, take scientific preventive measures, effectively prevent and control post-flood infectious diseases and skin diseases, ensure that "there will be no major epidemics after the flood season", and jointly protect the health and safety of us and our families.