5 ways to protect your health and safety during rainy ‘ber’ months

MANILA, Philippines — “Ber” months in the Philippines should be known for its festive, chilly and cozy “sweater weather” but nowadays, the weather has been so unpredictable.

You wake up to a thunderstorm, endure a hot and humid day when the sun suddenly comes out, and then brave flooded streets on your way home due to another downpour. Slippery roads, reduced visibility and the humid weather not only make everyday tasks more difficult, but also make us more at risk for certain illnesses and accidents.

While you’ll never know what the day will be like, you and your loved ones can take extra measures to protect yourself from potential inconveniences they might bring.

Financial super app GCash, through its platform GInsure, offers credible and affordable health protection and personal insurance to cover unexpected costs that may arise from illnesses and accidents, including those that are likely to happen during the wet season.

Aside from making sure your umbrella, rain boots and emergency kits are ready, here are some ways to make sure you are safe and healthy during the rainy season.

Getting your flu shot is best done at the start of the rainy season in June, but if you haven’t yet, it’s never too late to do so. Not only can it protect you from the virus or reduce the severity of your symptoms, it can also help prevent you from spreading the flu to others, including your loved ones who may be at risk of complications.

As the circulating flu virus is different every year, the Department of Health (DOH) recommends getting an updated flu vaccine annually.

Before you go out for work or errands, check the weather forecast. If you are driving or biking, set time aside to check your vehicle’s tires, brakes and headlights and plan your route.

If you plan to take public transportation, invest in non-slip footwear and walk slowly and carefully as surfaces tend to be extra slippery. It is also wise to bring a spare pair of socks and a change of clothes in case you end up soaking wet.

Dengue fever is at an all-time high from May to November. The most effective line of defense against this mosquito-borne disease is ensuring your home cannot host mosquitoes, which breed in