ISPA Risk Rainy Season Soars, Lung Doctors Express How To Prevent It

ISPA illustration. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - Health practitioner and Lung Specialist from the University of Indonesia, dr. Erlina Burhan Sp.P(K), reminded that acute respiratory tract infections (ARI) that often increase during the rainy and post-flood season can actually be prevented through simple steps.

In an interview with ANTARA on Wednesday, Erlina explained that keeping the body dry and warm after outdoor activities, especially in a wet environment, was an important initial effort. He explained that changing temperatures, high humidity levels, and exposure to wet areas can trigger the growth of mold that irritates the respiratory tract and lowers endurance.

When the rainy or flood season, the risk of respiratory problems increases. A moist environment makes it easier for fungi to develop, while flood water mixed with waste can leave microscopic dust that interferes with the respiratory tract. Changes in temperature and humidity also make viruses such as influenza and RSV last longer, "he said.

To avoid exposure to mushrooms and fine dust particles, Erlina suggested wearing masks in crowded, dusty places, or when cleaning houses after the flood. The situation is dense, such as the evacuation post, according to him, also increases the potential for transmission so that the use of masks is highly recommended.

Erlina added that the prevention of ARI also needs to be accompanied by the habit of maintaining hand hygiene with soap and ensuring that the house has adequate ventilation. Good air circulation prevents the emergence of damp areas where fungi breeds.

"IsPA prevention efforts must be comprehensive, ranging from hand hygiene, wearing masks in dense or dusty environments, good ventilation, maintaining distance from sick people, to implementing healthy lifestyles such as getting enough sleep, drinking enough, and consuming nutritious food," he explained.

He emphasized that nutrient-rich foods play a major role in strengthening immunity. vitamin supplements may be consumed, but they cannot be the only mainstay to prevent ARI.

Vitamins are only supportive and must still be combined with the habit of maintaining cleanliness and avoiding exposure to dirty air.

For residents living in refugee camps, Erlina advised to keep their distance from people who show symptoms of respiratory disease and continue to use masks to reduce the risk of transmission.

Symptoms of ARI that need to be watched out for include high fever, worsening cough, nasal or nasal congestion, sore throat, fast or shortness of breath, and chest pain while breathing. Some people may also experience respiratory sounds, weakness, chills, or reduced appetite.

He reminded that floods often hinder public access to health services, so that vulnerable infections are not resolved quickly.

If the symptoms last more than a few days, accompanied by difficulty breathing, blue lips, or occur in small children, the elderly, and comorbid sufferers, then medical examinations must be carried out immediately to prevent serious complications.