The much-awaited monsoon season is here. Providing respite from the summer heat this season is most awaited. However, the monsoon also brings numerous diseases yearly due to harmful viruses. The humid climate, heavy rains, and windy environment spread many infectious diseases.
The good news, however, is that staying healthy during these months can be as simple as taking a right precautionary measures at the right time. Read more to know how you can stay safe and healthy this monsoon.
Common Diseases
This climatic change causes different types of monsoon diseases, some of the common diseases along with the rainy season health care tips are as follows:
- Cold and Flu: The drastic fluctuation of temperature which happens during this rainy season makes the body susceptible to bacterial and viral attacks, resulting in cold and flu. This is the most common form of viral infection. Hence to protect the body, one should consume highly nutritious foods and strengthen immunity. By this, the body can fight germs by producing antibodies against the released toxins.
- Malaria: Malaria and monsoon go hand in hand. When rain, water remains clogged, it helps the mosquitoes breeding process. The spread of malaria can be prevented by keeping such clogged areas clean.
- Dengue: Dengue fever can be very painful and life-threatening. Although this disease is caused by the dengue virus, the carrier here is the mosquito and thus keeping the body protected from any form of mosquito bite can ensure safety.
- Cholera: This is a water-borne infection, caused by many strains of bacteria called Vibrio cholera. Cholera affects the gastrointestinal tract causing severe dehydration and diarrhea. Hence, drinking boiled, treated or purified water can keep the germs at bay.
- Typhoid: Typhoid fever is a result of contaminated food and water. This is yet another bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation and at the same time using clean water is recommended.
- Hepatitis A: This infection is caused by contaminated food and water which mainly affects the liver. Some common Hepatitis A symptoms seen are fever, vomiting, rash, etc. Maintaining proper hygiene can cover the risk of this condition.
Boil the water!
Water contamination is the greatest concern during the season. With seasonal concentration changes in groundwater due to unhygienic substances getting dissolved, and further swayed over by rain water, we cannot expect clean water to arrive at home during this period.
Cholera, Jaundice, Typhoid, and Dysentery are the most common water-borne diseases that are caused by drinking contaminated or dirty water. “Water water everywhere, not a drop to drink”, the line from “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner,” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge is quite apt at this juncture. While we crave for a hydrated atmosphere after the torrid summer, the season has its own take over humankind. The above-mentioned are diseases that spread during the rainy season and we must be aware of them.
Consuming street food during monsoon is the most dangerous thing as it gives rise to such ailments. The bacteria that cause cholera are mostly found in contaminated food or water. Therefore, food items are prepared outside to run the risk of causing stomach infections.
So, it is always favorable to remain cautious & drink purified water or boiled water during the season to avoid falling ill.
Protect your skin – The Monsoons can be worse than the heat rashes!
The beauty of the monsoon can be a threat to your own beauty. Whether a romantic drive or a fun ride in the rain, a visit to dermatologists can be on the cards next. It’s that time of the year when the nasty fungus plays its own game. The moist climate gives room for bacteria and fungus to infect the air around us. Hence acne and ringworms are the most common skin diseases reported during the season. Humidity and the toxic effect of the sun also wreak havoc on the skin. Self-Care and maximum hygiene are the need of the hour. Keep yourself dry and clean. Avoid over-exposure to the sun and drink lots of water to keep your body hydrated. Wear sunscreen with supported Sun Protection Factor (SPF) before stepping outdoor to avoid sunburn and rashes. Waterproof footwear is highly recommended, which can guard your skin against the dirty flooded water in the street. Also, it is recommended to take a shower if you get drenched in the rain to balance out the temperature. Carry an umbrella or a raincoat to avoid getting drenched and the rainy season health issues associated with it.
Close your windows, it’s raining!
Do you think, it’s just the splash of the droplets that matter alone? No, it’s the unwanted intimation of the vectors that we fear. Spread by the female anopheles mosquito, malaria, is the most common disease. With constant water logging and floods, the mosquitoes breed at a faster rate giving rise to diseases like malaria, dengue, chikungunya virus, etc. Hospitals remain alarmed with the constant rise of patients holding similar symptoms with low platelet count. With the highest number of deaths credited, malaria still stands as one of the most dangerous diseases in India during this season. Fever at regular intervals, shivering attacks, and muscle pain, are the symptoms that a patient shows while suffering from malaria. Hence, prevention is always better than cure. It is important to ensure there is no water clogging around your area. Besides, never forget to use mosquito repellent and nets to avoid infectious bites.
Eat Healthy
During the monsoon, roadside food can lead to various infections and ailments. The reason behind it is that germs & bacteria often breed during rainy seasons & food items kept in the open are most vulnerable to infections.
One should also eat green leafy vegetables, as these are good for health. Wash & cleanse these vegetables before consuming them. Try to avoid intake of cut fruits & salads during the rains.
Eating out can be done but at good hygienic restaurants to ensure quality food. Raw vegetables should be avoided and steamed veggies should be consumed instead, especially during monsoons.
Avoid intake of stale food and thus try to cook only that much food that can be consumed in one meal. If some food is left, you must refrigerate it and not leave it in open