MANILA — Doctors urged the public to avoid all kinds of jellyfish, as there are no "friendly" jellyfish to prevent sting cases.

“Walang friendly na jellyfish. Mababa lang ang venom nila,” explained Dr. Ted Esguerra, field doctor and emergency manager of Energy Development Corp., part of the Philippine Inter-agency of Maritime Contingent.

(There are no friendly jellyfish. Some just have weak venom)

Esguerra added that every species of jellyfish has stingers they use to hunt for food.

Esguerra said that surface water is their usual hunting ground for food. 

This is why it’s important to be vigilant at the seaside for smack, the name for a group of jellyfishes.

“Kung sa presence ng araw kasi at tsaka sa nutrients ng dagat, dumadami yung planktons, yung planktons, ‘yon yung pagkain nila (jellyfish),” Esguerra said.

(Because of the presence of the sun and nutrients of the sea, planktons increased, and these planktons are their food)

Boy dies after jellyfish sting in Camarines Sur

But what to do in case of a jellyfish sting?

Clue: It’s not urine

Esguerra said that urine has no benefits in deactivating the stingers. 

Instead, use saltwater to alleviate the stingers.

Here are some procedures in case you get stung by jellyfish:

First, immediately get out of the water to prevent more attacks from the jellyfish.

Next is to try removing the stingers by continuously pouring saltwater on the area. For the rescuers, remove the stingers using a card or wood. 

It is advisable to use gloves while removing the stingers, as unprotected hands can still get stung.

Follow it by pouring vinegar on the area to neutralize the venom and further help the removal of stingers.

While waiting for an ambulance, continuously pour hot water (that is tolerable for the victim) on the affected area to help deactivate the venom. Lukewarm water is not advisable and should be hot but tolerable water.

Box jellyfish are the common culprit of sting cases in the Philippines. 

Known for their clear appearance that seems invisible in the water and their cube-shaped head, these are more common in Australia than in the Philippines.

Esguerra explained it is because of climate change that these toxic jellyfish are now closer to Philippine seashores.

This summer vacation, Filipino beach goers are expected to swarm the finest beaches. 

However, experts advise the public to also prepare first-aid knowledge to protect themselves from jellyfish stings aside from towels and sunscreen.

'Walang friendly na jellyfish': Ilang safety tips kapag nadikitan ng dikya