Common Diseases Workers Face

In the Philippines, the working conditions and working environment vary depending on the job you do. Imagine the challenges that employees encounter on their daily journey to work. Aside from that, being exposed to pollution and stress makes them susceptible to acquiring diseases.

People earn to make a living but it’s important that you’re able to manage your work as not to affect and sacrifice your health. Here are the different common diseases that workers face and ways to protect yourself.

1. The common cold is a viral infection in the upper respiratory tract, specifically affecting your nose and throat. Most people get better within 10 days, but the recovery period for people who smoke may take a bit longer.

When experiencing a common cold, remember to keep yourself hydrated, cover your nose when sneezing, use only disposable tissue and make sure to throw the tissue in the trash bin after use and wash your hands thoroughly.

In fighting the common cold, you should have a stronger immune system. And this can be attained by having a daily dose of Vitamin C and including fruits and vegetables in your diet.

2. A cough is an action that your body takes to clear the airways of mucus and irritants due to smoke or dust. If persistent coughing lasts for more than two weeks and a fever develops, set an appointment with your physician immediately.

Although it is not always possible to prevent you from having a cough, there are ways to lessen the risk such as drinking plenty of water, avoiding contact with sick people, washing your hands properly, getting enough sleep and rest, and taking immune-boosting supplements like Zinc and Vitamin C.

3. Diarrhea is when you have loose or watery stools, three or more times in a day which is caused by bacteria and parasites. Take plenty of water or electrolyte replacement drink to avoid dehydration. It is best to see your doctor for proper medication.

In order to prevent diarrhea, you need to avoid eating street food and drinking unsafe water. Proper handwashing must also be observed.

4. Pneumonia is a lung disease that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. It can be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections or fungi. The three types of pneumonia are Hospital-Acquired, Community-Acquired, and Bacterial Pneumonia.

Last December 31, 2019, the World Health Organization was alerted with the spread of pneumonia in Wuhan, China. A week after that, the Chinese authorities have confirmed the new coronavirus which is also known as 2019-nCorV - a respiratory virus that causes pneumonia.

Early this week, a Chinese boy from Wuhan who arrived in Cebu was suspected to have the novel coronavirus which caused the public to panic. But as of January 23, 2020 the Department of Health said that they are still probing the case and announced that no confirmed novel coronavirus yet in the Philippines.

Having a strong immunity is essential in fighting diseases like pneumonia. Follow these tips to keep you protected at all times: stay away from sick people, wear a protective mask, preferably N95, wash your hands properly, eat nutritious food, get at least 8 hours of sleep and use disinfectants for tabletops, doorknobs, keyboards, toilets, and phones.

As a worker, it is important to be vigilant these days when it comes to staying healthy and being protected. Paramount Direct offers a hospitalization plan called Hospital Income Benefit Plan. This product is designed for 20 to 64 years old which provides daily financial assistance for confinements due to sickness or injury.