Some of the diseases associated with monsoon are dengue, malaria, hepatitis A and E (jaundice), gastro intestinal infections such as typhoid fever, diarrhea and cholera. Apart from these, viral infections such as cold and cough also make their presence felt.
Our body’s digestive system becomes weak during the rainy season, which makes us highly susceptible to all kinds of infections. So we should eat light and avoid spicy, greasy, fried, and fatty foods as they have a thermal effect on our body and make us feel sluggish. The changing weather causes allergies and acidity too.
Flaring of fungus
Fungal infections of skin causing itching, asthma also get aggravated because of excess humidity. During the rains, humidity reaches its peak and has an adverse impact on hair health. One should also ensure regular cleansing of scalp with shampoos followed by a conditioner, as there is high chance of dandruff due to dirt accumulated in scalp pores. Do not leave your clothes wet, and carry an umbrella.
Importance of drinking boiled water, eating safe food and personal hygiene
Contamination of water and unhygienic conditions are very often the cause of many monsoon ailments. Sewage and drain pipes lie close to each other, and in the monsoon these pipes develop leaks - with the result that the sewage water comes into contact with regular water. It sounds sickening, but is a fact. Many diseases like diarrhoea, cholera are spread through feces, which is why it is essential to drink boiled water in the monsoon. Similarly, at a restaurant make it a point to drink bottled water or a soft drink instead of regular water. Most restaurants here do not maintain the levels of hygiene you do at home.
In order to prevent water-borne diseases, do not drink water which is not properly boiled and stored. Drinking water should be boiled and properly filtered. Avoid consuming food that is exposed to the surroundings for quite a long time, since food that is exposed for a long time is contaminated by germs, which may cause various infections. Wash hands with soap after using the toilet and before and after eating. Keep surroundings clean to prevent insects and rodents from breeding. Flies are the most common carriers of germs that mostly cause contamination. Therefore remember to cook the vegetables well and steam them properly to kill the germ content in them, if any.
Alarm for diabetics
Diabetic patients need to take extra care of their feet during monsoon season. These patients should take specific care as not to walk bare-foot since the soil on which they walk is a reservoir of all types of germs.
Be aware of viral diseases
Rainy season plays a role in the rapid spread of viruses. Entry of influenza virus into the respiratory tract via droplets from an infected person (coughing, talking or sneezing), or through contact with surfaces contaminated with discharges of an infected person, fever, headache, runny nose, sore throat, cough or other respiratory manifestations are the common features. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing to prevent the spread of the virus. Avoid crowded places. Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
Coping with Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes abound during the monsoon season, and cases of Malaria and Dengue are rising. Your best bet would be to keep your home mosquito-free. A mosquito net around the bed not only looks lovely and Victorian, but also keeps mosquitoes away and is a better option than sleeping with a mosquito coil right next to you. Regular inhalation of chemicals found in mosquito coils and mats is not too good for you, but is definitely a better option than getting bitten by a mosquito and risking Malaria or Dengue.
Do not take these diseases lightly. Carry a mosquito repellent cream with you and give a small tube to your children. The cream should be applied to any exposed areas if there are mosquitoes around.