Basic Hygiene Regimen to Follow During The Rainfall - Health Tips For Monsoon
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June 27, 2022
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The first drizzles of rain on the face, the earthy smell rising after a light rain shower, the lush green fields resuscitating by virtue of raindrops, the bliss of floating paper boats in muddy puddles, the moments full of shared smiles over cups of hot tea and your favourite pakoras (fritters); the monsoon season is here to bring happiness and joy after a long scorching summer. The period of rainfall is revitalizing for nature and every living being. However, such beautiful weather brings a slew of ailments with it. As a result, it is crucial to take care of your health and opt for a complete health check-up package. Health is the most important aspect of living. Good health is closely tied to leading a more productive, joyful, and long life. This is the time of year when viral fevers, allergic reactions, and other viral illnesses like dengue and malaria are on the rise. Similarly, there are more microbes in the air than at any other time throughout this season. Hence, to remain healthy throughout Monsoon time, you should strengthen your immunity and practice basic hygiene. In this article, we have covered some vital health and hygiene tips for monsoon to make this season more enjoyable and fulfilling. But first, let us throw a spotlight on the most common monsoon diseases.
Air-borne diseases during Monsoon
The monsoon season brings plenty of airborne diseases with it caused by small pathogens (disease-causing viruses) in the air, culminating in viral fever, cold, cough, sore throat, and so on.
- Influenza: Typically called as Flu is easily transmitted from person to person and it is mostly spread via air. The feverish feeling, runny nose, fatigue, and cough are the primary signs of Influenza.
- Cold: The common cold is a viral illness of the nose and throat. A weakened immune system makes one more susceptible to catching a cold, which is followed by a runny nose, sore throat, and fever.
Mosquito-borne diseases during Monsoon
The breeding of mosquitoes reaches its peak during the damp and moist climatic conditions during the monsoon season. The mosquito-borne diseases also known as vector-borne diseases impact around 400 million people in India annually. Mosquitoes are indeed the primary reason for many diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya.
- Dengue: When the Aedes genus of mosquito spawns in stagnant water, and one of those mosquitos bites a person who has dengue in their blood; the disease can easily spread further when the infected mosquito carries the infection and bites another person.
- Malaria: Malaria disease is caused by the bite of an infective female Anopheles mosquito. When a single-cell parasite known as 'Plasmodium' infects more female mosquitoes while feeding on the blood of an infected person, the parasite multiplies in mosquitoes' midgut, ready to infect more people.
- Chikungunya: Chikungunya is a mosquito-borne viral infection. Although it is an easily treatable viral illness with the advancements in medical science, it gives significant joint and bone pain, muscular stiffness, and fever to the infected person.
The extreme temperature swings that occur during the rainy season leave the human body more vulnerable to bacterial and viral infection. As a result, to strengthen our immune system against numerous diseases during the monsoon, people of every age, region, and gender should follow basic hygiene during monsoon and eat a nutritious diet.
What can I do to maintain hygiene?
· Install mosquito nets in your home, especially over the bed.
· Allow no water to stand or accumulate anywhere in or around the house.
· Maintain cleanliness and keep surroundings dry at all times.
· Drink warm water every few hours.
· Avoid eating any street food as most of it is left uncovered throughout the day.
· Make sure your residence and/or its surrounding area has no open water storage.
· Even mildly polluted water might create major health consequences. So, always consume water after it has been boiled or simply invest in a high-quality water filter.
· Always cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing
· Wash your hands with soap and water before and after cooking/eating
· Clean yourself completely the moment you're back home.
· Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer when you are outdoors.
· Avoid the frequent touching of eyes, nose, and mouth.
· Do not touch possible contaminated places such as office elevator buttons, railings, door handles, etc. (Instead use tissues and discard them immediately)
Additional tips to follow:
· Disinfect the bathwater using a disinfectant liquid
· Incorporate healthy food into your daily diet plan such as leafy green vegetables, fresh fruits, fruit juices, almonds, Yogurt, broccoli, turmeric, beans, and lentils.
· Get enough sleep: That's right. Staying up late working or watching a web series is not a good idea. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep every night boosts immunity and helps to lessen the likelihood of flu and cold-like symptoms.
· If you are heading to the workplace or home after getting drenched in the rain – first dry yourself as much as possible with a clean towel
· As the flu and common cold are so common during the monsoon, you should be extra cautious. Maintain a safe distance from another person when you are outside.
While we speak of improving and keeping up a daily hygiene regimen during the monsoon, we should not forget the threat of COVID-19 is still hovering over all of us. India has recorded over 18,000 fresh cases of COVID-19 which includes its variants and during such crucial times, every individual must follow the guidelines stated by the government to restrain the widespread of the virus as well as the rising diseases during the Monsoon period. Nonetheless, the COVID-19 pandemic has taught many people that remaining fit and healthy is the only way to protect oneself against any disease.
Many of the illnesses during Monsoon go untreated until they impact one's health significantly. If you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of the above-mentioned diseases during the monsoon, you should immediately talk to your doctor and get a diagnosis from the best diagnostic centre near you. Under the supervision of reputable medical experts and cutting-edge medical diagnostic technology, XYZ diagnostic centre offers thorough screening for illnesses such as Dengue, Malaria, Hepatitis, and Typhoid. Early diagnosis and basic preventative and hygiene steps will keep you safe throughout this beautiful season of rainfall.
Water-borne diseases during Monsoon
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), water-borne infections afflict over 3.4 million people in India every year. Adolescents are the most vulnerable victims due to their maturing immune systems, which makes them susceptible to disease transmission.
1. Cholera: It is a bacterial disease caused by surroundings with inadequate sanitation and the intake of contaminated food. The early symptoms of this disease are diarrhea or loose bowel movements.
2. Jaundice: It is a condition occurred by polluted food and water, along with inadequate sanitation. It causes liver malfunction as well as key symptoms such as fever, chills, abdominal pain, and skin discoloration.
3. Typhoid fever– It is a bacterial infection fever caused by the S. Typhi bacterium that is transmitted mostly through lack of sanitation. The two most common causes of typhoid are eating rotten or uncovered food and drinking tainted water. High temperature, chills, headache, joint discomfort, and sore throat are among the symptoms of enteric fever.
4. Hepatitis A - It is a virus that spreads via tainted food and beverages. It can cause inflammation and harm your liver. Upset stomach, fever, and vomiting are some of the early signs of Hepatitis during monsoon