With rainy season just around the corner, tourists, expats, and citizens find themselves getting sick more often. Learn what to expect from not only the change in weather, but also how to prepare yourself for frequent rainstorms and common rainy season ailments.

Generally speaking, the land-locked areas of Thailand, which include the northern, central, and northeastern regions, experience rainy season from June to October. The southern areas of Thailand generally experience rainy season from April through October on the Andaman Sea coastline and from September to December on the Gulf of Thailand coastline. There is greater overall rainfall in Thailand’s southern beaches due to the frequent presence of monsoons.

 

 

Image Source: Thai Meteorological Department

 

The wet season is typically characterized by heavy rain showers that last from one to three hours every day instead of an all-day drizzle. Flash flooding does occur in many areas of Thailand, particularly around major rivers and in cities without proper drainage. High waters may last for several hours before finally draining off.

Rain can occur suddenly, so carrying a compact umbrella and wearing waterproof shoes is your best defense against an uncomfortably wet outfit later. Many people duck inside and use the opportunity to take a short shopping spree, have a snack, or get a massage while waiting for the rain to subside.

 

If you ride a motorbike, it’s a good idea to invest in a full length poncho to protect your legs from getting wet. Also wear a helmet with a face shield to protect your face and eyes from the stinging rain while riding.

The rainy season coincides with flu season in Thailand. As more people stay indoors together, the chance of passing and catching germs is at its highest. Those who are sick should make a conscious effort to cover their nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, have tissues nearby, and regularly wash their hands to reduce the spread of germs.

 

There is also an increase of mold spores in the hot, humid air. If you are allergic to mold, you may experience allergy-like symptoms such as itchy sinuses and throat or wheezing.

 

Standing water left over from a rainstorm is the perfect mosquito breeding ground. Therefore, there is an increased risk in contracting mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever and malaria. These viruses can only be transmitted by an infected mosquito biting a person and cannot be passed from person to person like the flu. Infection symptoms include high fever, flu-like symptoms and skin rashes.

 

The humidity also encourages the growth of yeast and fungus. These microbes are commonly present on the skin in small, safe amounts. However, the warm, moist areas of the body are at highest risk for developing an itchy rash such as Athlete’s Foot (a fungal infection) or candidiasis (a yeast infection). There is also the chance of developing heat rash simply due to the hot weather. Prevent these irritations by applying talcum powder to your skin to keep it dry and wear moisture wicking clothing.

If you do suffer from a head cold, fever, or a skin rash during Thailand’s rainy season, make an appointment with Bumrungrad International Hospital. Our Medical Coordination Office and International Patient Center will direct patients to the proper clinics. These offices are located on the Sky Lobby, 10th Floor of the Bumrungrad International Clinic (BIC) Building. For urgent appointments, contact us at +66 2011 2222.

 

Last modify: November 13, 2019

Bumrungrad Hospital