Monsoon Diseases Prevention: Simple Health Tips to Stay Monsoon Ready

There starts the drizzle and here we start craving for the pakodas and waiting for the rain dance! Monsoon and rains have got such a positive and refreshing vibes that you can’t help but plan to sneak out from your daily (& monotonous) routine.

However, with those rain showers, comes humidity and an environment that may promote growth of microorganisms and put you at risk of developing various health ailments. From seasonal cough and cold to stomach infections, from mosquito-borne diseases to liver inflammation- are all the repercussions of not taking enough care of yourself during monsoon.

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Here, we have enlisted simple yet important health tips that keep you monsoon ready (and disease free). Take a look!

1. Increase your vitamin C intake

You must have noticed that rain is the time of the year when viral fever, cold, and allergic reactions are most prevalent. To help keep these infections at bay, one thing that you must have is a strong immunity.

There isn’t an exact definition of “how strong” your immune system should be to fend off germs but it is an established fact that people with a healthy immune system seldom fall sick as compared to people who have a weak immunity. That’s where vitamin C can be helpful- to keep your immune cells healthy. It is one of the most important immunity-boosting nutrients. Several studies have stated that vitamin C can prevent colds in some specific cohorts. Splurge on those oranges, lemons, fresh green vegetables and broccolis to have a Vitamin C rich diet.

2. Make sure you take enough fluids (even without feeling thirsty)

The weather being cool, you may not feel thirsty often. However, ensure to drink plenty of water during the monsoon. Most people sweat a lot due to the humid weather of the rainy season and miss replenishing fluids. Keeping well hydrated helps flush out toxins from your body too.

Nevertheless, stay vigilant of the type of water you drink. Many illnesses like hepatitis A, typhoid, cholera are waterborne and quite rampant during the monsoon season. If you aren’t sure of the water quality in your area, boil the drinking water to kill disease-causing germs and eliminate other impurities. Get your water filters serviced on time so that they do their job effectively and you get clean drinking water.

3. Had a rain dance? Get a shower at once

Do take a relaxing warm water bath to disinfect your body after getting drenched in rain or playing in the puddles. It decreases the risk of catching skin and fungal infections. Add a disinfectant to bathing water if possible.

4. Stay protected of mosquitoes

Continuous rains and improper drainage allow water to accumulate and serve as a breeding ground for mosquitoes. These tiny insects are well capable of giving you serious health troubles including malaria, dengue, chikungunya, etc. Ensure that there is no open water storage in your home. Change and clean water of coolers. Wear full-sleeve clothes and use mosquito repellents. Using mosquito nets is also a good idea.

5. Don’t let monsoon lure you into street food

You aren’t sure what type of water your favourite street food vendor has used while preparing that aloo chaat. You cannot guarantee how well he would have washed the vegetables that go into the bhaji. Also, the food items can be exposed to the open air. Every time you fall for a street food item, you are more likely to contract a gut infection.

6. Clean your raw fruits and vegetables well

Scrub your fruits and vegetables under running water thoroughly. Germs may thrive on the skins of fruits and vegetables. Try consuming well-cooked or boiled vegetables. It is not necessary to use a vegetable wash but washing vegetables and fruits in warm saline water is a good practice to follow. 

7. Keep yourself physically active within home

Rain and COVID situations might not allow you to venture outdoors. But, remember exercising not only helps you maintain weight, but it is great for your immune system as well. It improves your blood circulation and triggers release of the happy hormone (serotonin). You can try side stretching, jumping rope, yoga asanas, and dance.

8. Hand hygiene is crucial not only for COVID but also for monsoon illnesses

Your hands are the main mode of transferring germs into your body. Wash or sanitize your hands before you eat something or even during travel. It is not only important for preventing spread of COVID-19 but also to keep other communicable germs at bay.

COVID is far from over as yet!. Make sure to get tested if you experience the symptoms. Book a home sample collection here.

A little care goes a long way in helping you stay healthy during monsoon. Make sure to prioritise your health and enjoy every season to the fullest.

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