It’s the start of the rainy season.  While most of us are thankful that, finally, the intense heat of the summer season is over, some of us are still in-denial as they head over to the beach for one last escape, one last kiss from the sun, one last vacation. Inevitably, we are all bound to face the truth. The sun is out, in comes the rain.   During this time of the year, we are all too familiar with both the major and minor inconveniences that the rainy season brings with it. In an instant, commute becomes a more challenging experience for the daily commuters, while traffic worsens in every side of the metro for the motorists.   A brief rain shower always equates to long hours of inconvenience. This is the reality of a rainy season in the Philippines.  

Another rainy season-hump we encounter along the way is the most famous trend of them all: SICKNESS. From the common colds and cough up to the most dangerous one, dengue, we are always on the look-out for signs of sickness. Being sick during this season means a day wasted at work and bigger expenses for medication and hospitalization. We are already expecting these things whenever the season changes. Sadly, most of us are still not ready whenever the rainy season comes. How can one be prepared during this season of sickness?   The answer: Strengthening one’s immune system.  

What is the immune system? The immune system is made up of special organs, cells and chemicals that fight infection. The main parts of the immune system are: white blood cells, antibodies, the complement system, the lymphatic system, the spleen, the thymus, and the bone marrow. These are the parts of your immune system that actively fight infection.  

Boosting your immune system
The following are tips on how to boost your immune system during this rainy season. Make sure to follow them in order to help you become sickness-free during this season of sickness.

Stay hydrated and drink clean water. Drink 6-8 glasses of water everyday. It’s also important that you don’t immediately drink water whenever you are outdoors. Make sure it is sealed or, at the very least, poured from a water purifier.

Take a shower if you get wet in the rain. Getting soaked in the rain is inevitable, especially when you forgot to bring your umbrella/raincoat. When this happens, make sure to take a shower the moment you set foot in your house. Taking a shower helps in removing any kind of infection/germs you have accumulated from being outside/transmitted by the rain.

Wash/sanitize your hands thoroughly. Keeping your hands clean is very important during this season. Keep yourself safe from bacteria and germs causing colds, cough, and influenza. Wash your hands properly by lathering soap between your fingers, under your nails and the top of your hands. Then rinse and dry your hands thoroughly, too.

Avoid rush hour commutes. Commuting during the rainy season is dreadful. Most of us take more than 2 hours waiting to get a ride home. As much as possible, don’t join the rush hour. It’s during this time that you are more exposed to germs and bacteria coming from the air and even from other people. Being exposed to these increases your risk in having rainy season-related sickness.

Keep your house clean. This does not need further explanation. Cleanliness begins at home. Make sure your house is not a source for insects and pests that are most likely carriers of dangerous diseases.

Always carry an umbrella. You’re on your way to work (or going home), but then all of a sudden, the rain poured – and the worst part is you don’t have your umbrella with you. Now we have a problem. Not only did you get yourself wet by the pouring rain, you also made yourself vulnerable to sickness. Sudden change in your body temperature can lead to fever or cold. To prevent this, make sure to ALWAYS bring your umbrella with you whenever, Umbrellas are not only the best rain gear but also a sickness shield against cough, colds or fever when you're caught up on a rainy day.

Have backup clothes ready. Sure, you brought your umbrella with you. But with sudden fall of rain, paired with strong winds, you were left with no protection, leaving you and your clothing all soaked in the rain. Instances like these are inevitable, however a little preparation can keep you safe from getting sick.

Always bring extra clothes with you. Walking around with wet clothes is like inviting a virus into your body resulting in a fever and common cold. Stay up-to-date with the latest news and weather forecast. If you’re part of the majority who rely on news s via their phones, it’s best that you follow trusted news outlets for weather news from time to time.

Stack up on B-Complex. Vitamin B6 is vital to supporting biochemical reactions in the immune system. Vitamin B6-rich foods include chicken and cold water fish such as salmon and tuna. Vitamin B6 also is found in green vegetables and in chick peas. This essential vitamin makes up vitamin B-Complex.  

Being in the workforce means having lots of responsibilities – from supporting our loved ones down to paying our own bills. We all feel unstoppable, on top of our game, until a rainy season-related sickness hits us. And when it happens, we get anxious and we feel helpless – we feel like things are getting out of hand. We feel restless.  

To avoid these instances, it’s recommended that you take B-Complex everyday to help boost your immune system. B-Complex also has essential nutrients that are needed to keep the brain, muscles, nervous system, and your immune system healthy.