The thought of rain brings childhood memories, children playing, various seasonal fruits, lots of sweets, and an escape route from hot summer days. Humans are not the only ones who enjoy this lovely weather, but plants, animals, and disease-causing pathogens do too.
The rainy season brings a wave of various viral and bacterial infections, water-borne diseases, and mosquito-borne diseases. During weather changes, our immunity decreases, thus making us prone to these infections.
Most common monsoon diseases
Monsoon is the season of various infections. The most common modes of transmission of monsoon diseases are water, air, contaminated food, and mosquitoes. The following are some common diseases we can face during the rainy season:
- Air-borne diseases: Various tiny disease-causing pathogens cultivate in high-moisture air and are responsible for numerous infections, such as:
- Common cold
- Flu or influenza
- Cough and sore throat
- Viral fever
- Food and water-borne diseases: During rainy seasons, the risk of contamination of food and water increases many folds, which results in various illnesses, such as:
- Cholera
- Typhoid
- Leptospirosis
- Norovirus
- Salmonellosis
- Hepatitis A
- Gastroenteritis
- Mosquito-borne diseases: The monsoon season is the breeding season of various mosquitoes, which are responsible for numerous mosquito-borne illnesses, including:
- Malaria
- Chikungunya
- dengue
Now, the monsoon is on our doorstep. Let’s find ways to protect ourselves from these diseases and be monsoon ready.
Crucial tips to follow during the monsoon season
During monsoon, people, especially older and children, tend to fall ill more often due to the poor or underdeveloped immune system. The following are some essential tips that can help us to get ready for the monsoon so that we can enjoy the weather fullest:
- Watch your diet: Everyone loves crispy pakoda and hot tea during rain. But, eating unhealthy food causes many health-related issues. You should avoid eating outsides, especially street food. The roads are generally full of stagnated water during rainy days, which harbor dangerous microorganisms and infect the food. So, whenever you consume these infected street food items, you become disease-prone. Instead of these, eat a balanced healthy diet rich in fibers, vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds. Don’t eat food that becomes cold or not freshly cut.
- Drink clean water: Water sources are more prone to contamination in the rainy season, which increases the risk of various water-borne diseases. To prevent these, ensure you are drinking purified or boiled water. If you are traveling somewhere or going to school or the office, make sure to carry your bottle of water.
- Increase probiotic and vitamin C intake: In monsoon, many people and children suffer from infections and allergic reactions due to poor immunity. To remain healthy, we have to boost our immunity. One of the best ways of doing that is to increase the intake of probiotics and a vitamin C-rich diet, including yogurt, buttermilk, curd, sprouts, fresh green vegetables, and citrus fruits.
- Maintain hygiene: A good hygiene practice keeps various diseases at bay. Cleaning hands thoroughly after using the washroom, before cooking, and after coming from outside lessen the transmission of germs and decreases the chances of getting an infection. If you get wet, bathe with disinfectant (betadine, Savlon, or Dettol) to remove all the microorganisms.
Keep your surroundings clean and devoid of dampness, as moisture-containing walls, carpets, and beddings are a perfect harbinger of many disease-causing pathogens.
- Don’t let the water collect: The open water storages, accumulated rainy water, potholes, and clogged drains are perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes. You should cover all the stored water and ensure all water drains are perfectly functioning. Don’t let the rainwater stagnate in your nearby areas.
- Sleep: Get enough (about 7-8 hours) sleep every day. A proper sleep routine boosts our immunity and prevents us from many unwanted illnesses.
- Regular exercise: Staying physically active helps boost immunity and physical and mental well-being. If you can’t go out due to rain, many indoor activities like jumping rope, planks, burpees, or squats can help.
- Protect yourself from allergens: During monsoon, we can notice a rise in house dust, mites, molds, and pollens, which can trigger various respiratory diseases and allergies. So, before the start of the rainy season, ensure your house is free of dampness and molds. While doing daily cleaning, keep your nose and mouth covered to avoid contact with dust. Whenever you go outside, wear a mask to protect yourself from pollen, pollution, and other allergens.
- Keep a safe distance from sick people: During rainy seasons, many people come in contact with seasonal diseases. Don’t come in contact with infected people, and maintain proper distancing.
- Take small steps and walk carefully, especially on slippery surfaces, to avoid mishaps.
- You should avoid traveling during monsoon, but if you have to travel, keep your medicinal kit, extra dry clothes, and battery ready.
If you are experiencing fever, rashes, breathing difficulty, vomiting, or diarrhea, immediately contact your doctor. Although the monsoon is a spirit-uplifting season, it also makes our health vulnerable to various infections. With these simple precautionary measures, you can avoid health issues and enjoy the weather.