Flood Water & HIV/AIDS

For almost a week now, the Philippines has been devastated by flooding all over the country especially in Metro Manila and in the northern part of Luzon brought about by Typhoon Gener. Because of the flooding, people with HIV/AIDS should be very careful especially those who are using public transportation and who have no choice but to wade in the flood. Since the immune system is already compromised, they are already very prone to infections.

I researched about it and I found this article from the net:

“According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) anyone exposed to or coming in contact with flood waters can be exposing themselves to deadly diseases and life threatening contaminants. Individuals exposed to standing water are advised to take precautions to prevent diseases from entering their body through open wounds or entry areas such as the eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and even the vagina or penis. In the CDC's Report "Infectious Disease After A Disaster”  21 specific diseases are identified. 

Here are some of them:

E. coli (Escherichia Coli) - In the right environment, E. coli can cause urinary tract infections, diarrhea, respiratory illness, pneumonia and numerous other illnesses which can be deadly to the very young and elderly.

Giardiasis (Parasites) - Defined as opportunistic organisms that take up occupancy in or on a host. They survive at the expense of the body they inhabit by feeding off of the body or from the food taken in. Parasites lay eggs inside and cause diseases in humans.

Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto) - Most common form of water borne disease causing parasite found in the United States. The bacterium protects itself by placing itself inside a hard outer shell protecting it from chemicals as strong as chlorine.

Norovirus - A highly contagious virus that causes intense inflammation of the stomach and intestines. If contracted, the disease can be fatal to the young and elderly.

Shigellosis (Shigella, caused by Shigella sonnei or Shigella flexneri) - When contracted, patient suffers with severe bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps and fever. While almost never fatal, the disease can sometimes lead to hospitalization.

MSRA (Staphylococcus aureus) - While MSRA is often found living in the nose or on the skin of healthy individuals, when becoming infected with the disease; MSRA can cause serious problems such as blood and joint infections and could lead to pneumonia. MSRA cases within the last few years have cause concern due to the resistance to antibiotics commonly known to treat any staph infections.

Legionnaires Disease - Highly contagious disease caused by the Legionella Bacteria. The bacterium thrives in stagnant water such as standing flood water. Not only is the risk multiplied when playing or swimming in flood water, breathing in the mist or vapors from contaminated water. The disease can be fatal.

Leptospirosis - Most patients contracting the disease will not be aware of exposure until they have gone through the incubation period which can be as long as few as 5-14 days, but a many as 30 days. The onset can be quick with fever, jaundice, hemorrhaging. Some symptoms mimic those of the flu, typhoid or malaria.

Hepatitis B, C and HIV/Aids - Listed in the CDC's report also was a warning regarding the possibility of exposure to Hepatitis B and C plus the AIDS/HIV virus when exposed to flood water. The risk is unknown however to avoid contamination, the CDC warns against and avoiding exposure to flood waters due to the possibility of feces, body secretions, urine, vomit, and or blood.

(Source: Center For Disease Control (CDC))

Things To Do During Flood Season:

1. Avoid flooded areas. That is the best way to prevent infection. Stay in a friends place or stay in the office until the flood subsides. If you can avoid wading in flood water, please do so.
2. Take a warm bath immediately. Wash all exposed body parts with soap. You can further disinfect with alcohol as soon as you towel dry the body part.
3. If you have open wounds, call your doctor fast. It is better for your doctor to know that you are vigilant with your health. Your ID doctor will also advice you on what you need to do next.

We should always be conscious of our health. We all have to avoid infections that might compromise our immune system even more.

CREDITS & REFERENCES:

www.freedigitalphotos.net
Center for Disease Control website

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