Introduction
Monsoons are the most pleasant and coolest months of the year; it brings lots of excitement and happiness to people. After the dry and hot months of summer, the rainy season brings us joy and makes us feel relaxed and refreshed.
This season of the year makes people enjoy cool breezy weather with chai and pakoras. From children to elderly people, all await this time of the year.
But the rainy season is not only a season of joy and chillness, but it also brings a lot more worry about water-borne diseases like malaria, chikungunya, dengue and several other infections.
Everyone wants to get drenched in the rain, so it is necessary to keep safety measures in mind before enjoying the rain. Arrival of monsoon brings in health issues which take a toll on your mental and physical well-being.
This blog will highlight the safety measures and precautionary tips to follow this monsoon.
11 Safety and healthy tips for Rainy Season
To enjoy the rainy season fullest, it's essential to keep yourself healthy first. Follow these tips:
Boost your immunity
People love to dance, walk, to enjoy street foods during the rainy season. These small things make you refreshed and lively, but at the same time, it makes you sick. The rainy season brings in a lot of viral infections, stomach issues, fevers and flu.
Boosting your immunity is the need of the hour. Intaking Vitamin C is the easiest way to increase your immunity. Consuming a Vitamin C diet helps you fight these infections. Foods like green vegetables, oranges and sprouts are helpful.
Drink clean and boiled Water
During the rainy season, we all drink less water as we feel a little thirsty. But it is important for our body to stay hydrated to remain healthy. Additionally, monsoon is the season which gives birth to various water-borne diseases.
Drinking boiled or filtered water is essential during these days. Avoid consuming cold waters or beverages outside; it may lead to viral infections. Carrying a water bottle along with you is always safe.
Consume more probiotics
During monsoons, people are prone to affect by various viral infections and stomach-related issues. It is recommended to increase the consumption of probiotic foods like curds, yoghurt, buttermilk and pickles etc.
Probiotics are healthy microorganisms that boost your gut health and prepare your digestive system to fight off any stomach infections.
Say no to street foods
One should strictly no to street foods during monsoon; foods or cut fruits that are sold on the street are the main hub of harmful microorganisms.
In the rainy season, the streets are flooded with water and potholes. They are the main source of water-borne infections and diseases. The food items sold on the road are exposed to the open air, and they are the source of transmitting infections.
Get rid of stagnant water
The most dangerous issue during monsoon is the breeding of mosquitoes, open water storage, and stagnant water around the house is the hub of disease-spreading insects. So, make sure drinking water/ pots/ vessels are covered.
Ensure that drains or water are not clogged in your neighbourhood or streets. Remove the visible source of stagnant water.
Maintain social distance
Flu and cold are common during monsoons, so you must be careful while meeting people or during your travels. Maintain a safe distance from sick people so that you don't contract these infections.
Social distancing is the best practice to protect yourself and others from spreading infections.
Prevent mosquito bites
We must be very cautious against mosquitoes; the spread of viral infection just doesn't end by clearing stagnant water. Prevent mosquito bites by applying mosquito repellents when you are outdoors.
Use mosquito nets and repellents even when you are home. If you are unwell, go for regular health checkups.
Keep your hands clean
Maintaining hand hygiene should be a top priority during monsoon. Germs in the hand multiply more quickly during cold weather.
Wash your hands before and after your meal to avoid viral infections.
Avoid getting drenched in rain
As we live in a fast-moving world, commuting is a major part of our life. Getting drenched in the rain is unavoidable in metro cities. It is recommended to carry an umbrella or raincoat if you are heading out. Protect yourself from getting wet in rain and falling sick.
Get adequate sleep
Unhealthy sleeping patterns disrupt your immunity and make you prone to contracting diseases like flu and cold during monsoons. Avoid working late hours and binge-watching during the night. It is advised to sleep for 6 to 8 hours every night to stay healthy and boost your immunity.
Exercise regularly
Being physically active and following an exercise routine helps you to stay healthy. Exercising is the most beneficial physical activity that can be performed indoors.
Exercising not only helps you to lose weight but also boosts your immunity. It helps in improving blood circulation, increases heart rate, and eases respiratory problem, which all helps to increase your immunity to fight against viruses and bacteria.
Common Illnesses during rainy season and prevention
Monsoon brings in lots of diseases like fever, cold, water-borne disease etc. Children, pregnant women, and elderly people are more vulnerable. So, staying safe and taking precautions is necessary.
Cold and Cough
Cold and cough is the most contagious and common disease that spreads during monsoon. Cough, sore throat, difficulty in swallowing, inflamed throat, and respiratory illness are some of the common viral infections.
Drink boiled water, stay away from sick people, and take necessary precautionary steps to safeguard yourself.
Before taking any medications for a cold and cough, consult your healthcare provider.
Viral Fever
Influenza or flu is a common monsoon illness that spreads from person to person. Taking proper rest and medicines will quickly heal you.
Viral fever accompanies cold, cough, and headache. Consult a doctor for a speedy recovery.
Give yourself a sponge bath with lukewarm water, drink lentil soups and get enough sleep to feel better.
Viral Conjunctivitis (Eye Flu)
Eye Flu or conjunctivitis are the most common infections that affect the eyes. It can occur with symptoms like cold, flu or other infections. It makes your eyes appear pink or red. It usually affects one eye and may spread to the other eye within days. The discharge from the eye is watery.
Before taking any medications, consult your healthcare provider.
Mosquito / Water-Borne diseases
The most dangerous issue during monsoon is the breeding of mosquitoes, open water storage, and stagnant water around the house is the hub of disease-spreading insects. Mosquitoes spread water-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, malaria etc.
These diseases show symptoms like high body temperature, muscle pain, chills, inflamed joints, low platelets count etc.
If you may see any of the above-mentioned symptoms, rush to the doctor and take immediate medications.
Digestive system disorders
Unclean water supply during the rainy season may lead to several stomach infections. Diarrhoea, dysentery, Jaundice, Typhoid, and Hepatitis are common infections during monsoon.
The symptoms include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, yellow eye colour, urine discolouration etc.
If you experience any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult your doctor for proper medication and treatment.
Skin allergies and infections
Monsoon triggers various skin allergies and infections because of high humidity. Rashes, skin redness, fungal, yeast or bacterial infections are the most common skin allergies.
It is recommended to keep your skin dry and avoid getting wet in the rain.
Maintain healthy hygiene and wash your hands regularly to stay away from these kinds of skin infections.
Conclusion
Carry an umbrella or raincoat before going outdoors during monsoon. Stay away from junky street foods and maintain a balanced diet. Enjoy the monsoon to the fullest by following the safety measures.
