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How To Beat Common Illnesses Before They Beat You!

Nov 7, 2024

Common Illness

When it comes to health, “common illnesses” might sound manageable, but they can impact everything from productivity to family life if left unchecked. In Nigeria, certain ailments like malaria, coughs, and headaches seem to lurk around every corner, affecting people daily. Imagine this: one minute you’re enjoying a lively evening with friends, and the next, a pounding headache or a stubborn cough has you reaching for the medicine cabinet. It’s more than uncomfortable—it can throw off your entire day. So, how can we tackle these common illnesses head-on and stay a step ahead? Let’s dive into some practical prevention tips and see how myAdvantage offers accessible solutions to keep you bouncing back with a smile.

Malaria Won’t Stand a Chance if You’re Prepared

Nigeria’s warm, rainy climate creates the perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes, making malaria a persistent challenge. The symptoms, ranging from fever and chills to severe headaches and nausea, can strike without warning, turning a good day into a miserable one. But fear not! With a few preventive steps, you can keep malaria at bay and enjoy your days without unwanted interruptions.

  • Sleep Under Treated Nets: Think of mosquito nets as your personal shield against malaria. Sleeping under an insecticide-treated net not only keeps mosquitoes out but also adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring you wake up feeling refreshed rather than feverish.
  • Remove Stagnant Water: Mosquitoes love stagnant water, so eliminating any containers or puddles where water can collect is key. Whether it’s cleaning up after the rains or ensuring no water bottles are left out, every little bit helps.
  • Use Insect Repellents: When you’re out and about, especially in high-risk areas, a good insect repellent can make all the difference. It’s a simple step that offers significant protection against mosquito bites.

Even with the best preventive measures, malaria can sometimes sneak through. That’s where myAdvantage comes in, providing easy access to malaria treatments so you can tackle it early and get back to your lively self without missing a beat.

Conquering the Persistent, Annoying Cough

A persistent cough might seem like just a minor annoyance, but in reality, it can be a sign of something more serious or simply disrupt your entire day. Whether it’s a dry tickle during harmattan or a chesty cough from the rainy season, managing coughs effectively is essential.

  • Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep your throat moist and reduces the urge to cough. It’s a simple remedy that can provide significant relief.
  • Avoid Dust and Irritants: With dust swirling during harmattan and allergens in the rainy season, wearing a face mask can help minimise exposure and keep your cough at bay.
  • Try Steam Therapy: Inhaling hot steam can loosen mucus, making chesty coughs more manageable and providing instant comfort.

If your cough refuses to quit, myAdvantage connects you to consultations and quick treatments, ensuring you get the relief you need without the hassle of endless doctor visits.

Stop Headaches from Ruining Your Day

Nothing disrupts a good day faster than a throbbing headache. Whether it’s triggered by stress, dehydration, or too much screen time, headaches can drain your energy and focus, making even the simplest tasks feel like mountains.

  • Drink Water: Dehydration is a common headache trigger, so keeping a bottle of water handy can make a big difference.
  • Take Regular Breaks: Prolonged screen time without breaks strains the eyes and neck, often leading to headaches. Especially if you’re staring at a screen for long hours, regular breaks help reduce eye strain and prevent headaches.
  • Mind Your Posture: Poor posture can lead to muscle tension in the neck and shoulders, causing headaches. Simple adjustments can lead to significant relief.

For those recurring headaches, myAdvantage offers affordable access to pain-relief treatments, ensuring you can get back to feeling yourself without missing a beat.

Yeast Infections: When Things Get Uncomfortable

Yeast infections aren’t fun—they’re uncomfortable and can be quite distracting. In Nigeria’s hot, humid climate, maintaining good hygiene is crucial to preventing these pesky infections.

  • Stay Dry and Clean: Moisture encourages yeast growth, so drying off well after swimming or exercise is essential.
  • Wear Loose Clothing: Breathable, loose-fitting clothes help keep skin cool and dry, reducing the risk of yeast infections.
  • Limit Sugars and Processed Foods: A diet high in sugar can promote yeast growth, so moderating your intake can help prevent infections.

When discomfort strikes, myAdvantage ensures you have quick access to effective treatments, letting you get back to your day without missing a beat.

Tackling UTIs: Avoiding the Burn

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs) can be more common than you think and incredibly uncomfortable. They often come with a burning sensation and an urgent need to go frequently, disrupting your day in the worst way possible.

  • Drink Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated helps flush bacteria out of your system, reducing the risk of infection.
  • Practise Good Hygiene: Always wipe from front to back to minimise bacterial exposure.
  • Don’t Hold It In: Waiting too long to empty your bladder can increase the risk of infection, so make a habit of going when you feel the need.

When a UTI strikes, myAdvantage offers access to consultations and effective treatments, helping you get back on your feet quickly and comfortably.

Even with common illnesses lurking, you don’t have to be at their mercy. myAdvantage makes it possible to get the treatment and care you need, whenever and wherever it’s needed. Want to stay on top of health tips and advice for Nigeria’s common illnesses? Subscribe to the myMedicines newsletter for practical insights and guidance to keep you and your family thriving, no matter what challenges arise.

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