Disclaimer: This article is an editorial that highlights the problems in Indonesia today

PIKIRAN RAKYAT - The Health Service of Cimahi City, Indonesia, wants to remind the public to be mindful of potential comorbidities during the upcoming dry season. Hot conditions during the day and cold at night can impact endurance, increasing disease risk.

"It is often the case that some additional health concerns arise alongside the dry season," observed Dwihadi Isnalini, Head of the Communicable Disease Prevention and Control Division of the Cimahi City Health Office, in a statement released on Tuesday, 16 July 2024.

Since mid-July 2024, Indonesia has been experiencing cooler-than-usual weather for this time of year, despite the dry season. Despite the lack of rainfall, cold temperatures seem to be experienced in several regions, particularly Greater Bandung.

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The Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) have suggested that the cold temperatures may be caused by the Australian monsoon winds blowing towards Indonesia through the Indian Ocean waters, which have lower sea surface temperatures. This phenomenon is thought to continue until the end of the dry season.

Dwi highlighted the importance of monitoring specific health conditions during the dry season and in the context of cold air. These include diarrhea, vomiting, influenza, coughs and colds, acute respiratory infection (ARI), eye diseases, laryngitis, and typhoid.

"These diseases usually appear due to lack of clean water supply and contaminated water with e-coli bacteria," he said.

The lack of clean water significantly contributes to the spread of disease.

Dwi also highlighted that the limited supply of clean water can lead to an increased concentration of viruses and bacteria in the available water. It would be remiss of me not to mention that dry conditions with high humidity also can potentially increase the risk of disease.

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It would be remiss of us not to consider the impact of strong winds and low temperatures on the body's immune system.

It would be wise to remember that humid air, strong winds, and excessive cold weather can impact the body’s immune system, potentially increasing disease risk. "It would be beneficial for us to remain vigilant together," he said.

For this reason, the public is encouraged to take anticipatory steps, such as fulfilling their daily drinking water needs, wearing masks, and taking vitamins. These steps can be taken early on to avoid illness.

In addition, active exercise and adequate rest are essential to maintaining body condition. Maintaining health is vital, especially for people vulnerable to extreme temperature changes.

Maintaining a clean and healthy lifestyle (PHBS) would be beneficial. "Consuming both nutritious and hygienic food would be beneficial," Dwi suggested.

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It would be incredibly beneficial for the public to check themselves at the nearest health facility as soon as possible if they experience any disease symptoms to ensure they receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible.

"It would be advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any symptoms of illness so that an early diagnosis can be made and the appropriate treatment can be initiated," he said.***(Politeknik Negeri Bandung/Ahyaithannisa Taufik)