It's easy to get sick when it goes from hot and sunny to rainy.

In Hanoi, the sudden downpour after a series of hot days is a harmful weather phenomenon that can cause illness, especially in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Last week, the northern region experienced widespread heatwaves, with many areas experiencing intense heat (above 37 degrees Celsius). However, according to the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, from May 23rd, this area will be affected by a cold air mass leading to showers, thunderstorms, and hail in many places.

Dr. Dinh The Tien, from the General Internal Medicine Department at Duc Giang General Hospital, said that this type of weather is harmful to everyone, easily causing illness, especially colds, flu, and respiratory diseases because the body cannot adapt quickly enough. Prolonged hot weather weakens the body, causing fatigue and forcing it to constantly dissipate heat. "When exposed to cold or rain, blood vessels don't have time to constrict, easily leading to heat loss, colds, and a rapid decline in physical strength," the doctor said.

On hot, sunny days, rain can cool the air, but the high humidity combined with the heat from water evaporating from the ground can also be harmful to health. The higher the humidity, the stronger the evaporation, not to mention the numerous microorganisms and bacteria in the soil that decompose, creating foul odors and causing discomfort. People sensitive to respiratory illnesses are also more susceptible to colds due to poor adaptation.

Sharing the same view, Dr. Bui Duc Ngot, from the General Surgery Department of the Post Office Hospital, believes that when the body is overheated and then encounters rain, the thermoregulatory system malfunctions and cannot adapt quickly enough. In mild cases, the body feels tired and achy, while in more severe cases, blood pressure and blood sugar increase, and respiratory illnesses develop. Furthermore, when the weather changes suddenly, the body's protective barrier weakens, making it more susceptible to bacterial and microbial invasion.

Furthermore, when it rains, various types of waste are washed along, such as household garbage and animal waste, contaminating the water and creating conditions for microorganisms and parasites to cause skin diseases such as fungal infections, inflammation, and scabies. Initial symptoms are simple, such as itching, blisters or pustules, and redness of the skin. When the wounds become deeper, the skin condition worsens, swelling, pain, and seriously affects daily life.

According to Dr. Ngọt, there are three groups whose health needs attention during seasonal changes: young children aged two to four, due to their weak thermoregulation and immune systems; and the elderly, especially those with underlying health conditions, cardiovascular problems, and respiratory issues, who are also more susceptible to health problems.

The third group consists of individuals with immune-related conditions, such as those with autoimmune diseases (asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, allergies of varying severity) or those with weakened immune systems (recovering from illness, using immunosuppressant drugs, HIV-AIDS).

People wade through floodwaters, pushing their stalled motorbikes up to half the height of the wheels, after heavy rain in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Dinh Van

Doctors advise that after being in the rain, the body is not only wet but also at risk of contamination from dirt, bacteria, and other pathogens. Therefore, upon returning home, people need to clean and dry themselves, and warm their bodies to avoid catching a cold. For example, drinking ginger and honey water, resting, changing into clean clothes, avoiding cold foods, and not showering immediately after returning home.

Maintain good hygiene, bathe regularly, change into clean clothes, especially underwear. Clean your surroundings to prevent infectious diseases. Dry your clothes thoroughly to avoid mold.

If you experience symptoms such as chills, sneezing, headache, fatigue, bloating, diarrhea, mild fever, weakness in the limbs, or sweating, contact a doctor for treatment to avoid more serious complications.

In addition, people should get enough sleep and maintain a relaxed state of mind. Increase your intake of nutritious foods, drink plenty of water, supplement with vitamins and minerals, and eat plenty of green vegetables for energy. Regular exercise boosts immunity and helps cope with unpredictable weather.

Minh An

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