The rainy season brings a host of illnesses and allergies. Here's what you can do to protect yourself
The drastic fluctuations in temperature and high humidity during this season make one susceptible to many viruses causing cold and flu. Taking a nutritious diet and immunity-boosting foods during this time, avoiding junk food, and consuming plenty of water go a long way in protecting against viral infections. Herbal teas and warm honey water also act to protect the upper respiratory tract. Adequate sleep and physical exercise are sure shot ways to boost immunity.
Like humans, mosquitoes, mites, bacteria, viruses, and fungi also love monsoons. It is the favorite breeding season of mosquitoes and mites, transmitting diseases like dengue, malaria, and scrub typhus. Avoid any stagnation of water in and around your homes and encourage others to be mindful of it, too. In case of a febrile illness, contact your physician immediately.
Typhoid and Hepatitis A due to contaminated food/water also become more prevalent during this time. Use only filtered or boiled water, and do not use water stored for more than 24 hours.
Consume freshly-cooked, light meals. Avoid raw vegetables, especially the leafy ones, and check all vegetables and fruit for mud, larvae, rot, etc., before consuming. Thoroughly wash all farm produce.
Fungal infections, especially of the feet, are another problem specific to this season. Clean and dry your feet thoroughly every day, especially after they are soaked in rainwater/mud. Avoid wearing wet shoes for long.
Do not eat raw vegetables as they may contain bacteria and viruses, leading to severe infections such as stomach pains, food poisoning, a common summer disease, and diarrhea. It is advisable to stick to boiled and steamed vegetables as they are healthy and contain many proteins, fiber, and other nutrients. This can help reduce skin conditions like acne, which is common during the monsoon season. Consuming milk products such as yogurt and buttermilk that are high in nutrition is also important to prevent illness during the rainy season
.
Try to avoid walking on pavements and roads filled with excess rainwater as these are breeding grounds for mosquitoes. Take proper precautions by using insect repellents and disinfectants such as neem leaves and cloves, which reduce the risk of diseases caused by mosquitoes and flies.
Right after finishing up school or work, it is advisable to take a shower immediately to prevent infection from diseases predominantly caused by the buildup of excess sweat and dirt due to humidity. A hot shower can also feel invigorating during a cold monsoon day!
Consuming too much food during the rainy season is not recommended as the body takes a lot of time to digest the food due to the high humidity levels present during the monsoon season. Excess consumption of food can lead to bloating, acidity and indigestion. If you are trying to improve your digestion, consume garlic, pepper, and coriander. Stick to eating small meals once every couple of hours.
Food such as gourd, neem seeds, dandelion greens, and herbal teas can remove toxins and boost your immunity levels. These types of food are also rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium and iron, which are essential for an individual to become healthy and strong. Since many people experience illnesses and allergies during the monsoon, building up immunity can go a long way in preventing them.
Eating street food during the monsoon season is not advisable as the vegetables and water used to make the food get exposed to constant humidity, pollution, and contamination. One can get all sorts of diseases ranging from fever to stomach conditions resulting from these unhygienic conditions. It is also safer to drink water from sealed bottles as there is a lower chance of contamination.
You must be logged in to post a comment.