Flu Season

Here in Southeast Asia influenza cases spike during the wettest time of the year—usually July through September. In Thailand people sometimes talked about getting flu shots during May and June as prevention. I haven’t noticed anyone in Myanmar having those discussions.

The talk instead is of traditional ways to avoid the disease. Some people mention umbrellas to keep the head dry. Logical enough. Others suggest dietary changes: no deep-fried foods or sticky rice. One of my local friends has a very specific four-step prevention plan:

• Avoid showers for one week
• Clean only the body’s nine orifices
• Rub feet and armpits with damp cloths
• Spread Tiger Balm inside ears, under arms, and around bellybutton

So far, so good.