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How to prevent common monsoon-related diseases
After the heat of summer, the monsoons bring in a welcome relief to the parched earth and cools the temperature. However, the season also invites a number of health problems which are not easy to deal with. Children and adults need extra care during this season to stay healthy, and we bring you some tips on what you can do to prevent the incidence of these diseases.
The rainy season brings with it a host of infections, many of which are related to the respiratory tract. Food and water borne diseases are also rampant during this time.
Here are some prevention tips for these common diseases that rear their head during the monsoon season:
- Cold and Flu:
The drastic fluctuation of temperature which happens during this rainy season makes the body susceptible to bacterial and viral attack, resulting in cold and flu. Try to stay indoors and do not get wet, as it can result in chills.
- Malaria:
Monsoon and malaria are synonymous with each other. When rain water remains clogged, it helps the mosquito 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 only boiled, treated or purified water can keep the germs at bay.
- Typhoid:
Typhoid fever is a result of ingesting contaminated food and water. This is yet another bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi. Maintaining proper hygiene and sanitation and at the same time drinking only 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 prevent the risk of this condition.
The following points are good to prevent certain diseases during the rainy season:
- The most effective thing that you can do is to keep your rain gear always ready when you go out in the rainy season. A raincoat with hooded jacket and waterproof shoes are the best items.
- Try to eat nutritious food and avoid eating out during rainy season.
- Increasing the intake of Vitamin C either in natural form or as food supplement will help you drive away the cold virus faster.
- Take a warm shower if you are caught in the rain.
- After taking a good bath, dry yourself and wear dry & clean clothes. The best thing is to make a hot soup for yourself or at least drink a cup of hot milk. This will help you from catching cold or save you from catching any kind of infection that can occur due to sudden change in the temperature of the body.
- Water intake may reduce naturally because of the sudden drop in the temperature of the environment. It is good to drink plenty of water and do not wait to get thirsty to drink water. This will help you drain toxins from your body.
- Prepare meals with full precaution and maintain health and hygiene throughout the house.
- Use safe water for drinking as well as cooking purposes. That means water must be boiled well before using.
- Do not store water in open containers as they may be the breeding place for mosquitoes. If water is stored in open containers for a long time, then do not use it. It must be drained off.
- Ensure that drains & sewage lines are not clogged.
- For some diseases, vaccinations are available. Check with your doctor & find out which are the vaccines you should take.
- If you are eating food from outside, make sure to visit a reputed restaurant.
- If possible try to carry a bottle of boiled water with you when you are outside.
Prevention is always better than cure. During the monsoon, it is always better to take precautions and be well prepared whenever you go out of your home.
