How to Protect Yourself from Seasonal Illnesses When It Rains #WordsMatter

The monsoons tend to be associated with a lot of pleasant memories for us all - hot pakoras, warm hugs, playing in the rain et al. However, it is not fun for all. The rains tend to bring with it diseases that can really do a bad number on your health unless you are careful. 

These are some of the tips I shared with The Weather Channel earlier this year on precautions to take to protect yourself from seasonal illnesses when it rains.

1. Prevention is better than cure

Airborne and waterborne illnesses like malaria, dengue, and chickenpox are extremely common in monsoon. They also tend to be highly contagious. How can you fight these illnesses? 

As the seasons start to change, keep track of the weather in your city and state. Have a reliable weather app installed on your phone (you can find the best ones here on cellphonedeal.com) and be prepared for the coming rains. 

Ensure you don’t have damp areas around the house such as pools of stagnant water. 

Damp conditions don’t just facilitate the growth of bacteria, fungi and viruses, but they also become a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Use mosquito repellents and wear full sleeve clothes while sleeping. 

Wash your hands properly before and after a meal, and in general, avoid food and raw fruits that have not been washed well.

It’s way easier to catch infections when you spend your whole day in an enclosed, air-conditioned office. Hence, try to take small breaks to get some fresh air. 

You should also carry a handkerchief with you as a protective measure against airborne infections.

2. Increase your water intake

Most people think we only need to increase our water intake in the summers, since that’s when we perspire most. But that’s far from being true.

Humid conditions during the monsoon still drain your body, and you need to replenish the lost water. 

Carry a water bottle from home to avoid contaminated water when you’re outside. 

Also, make sure you drink 7-8 glasses of water every day.

3. Home-cooked food is always the best!

Opt for freshly-prepared hot homemade food whenever possible, especially hot soups and stews. 

It’s best to avoid seafood unless you are sure of the freshness of the food.

It is also best to avoid street food, including fruits and juices, during the monsoons because they might have been cut in advance and may be contaminated or infected with germs or toxins. You simply cannot be sure about the hygiene standards followed by roadside vendors, especially in the rain when flies and mosquitoes are everywhere.

4. Put extra emphasis on hygiene

Doctors see the maximum number of diarrhoea, jaundice, and typhoid cases in monsoon. Invariably, it all comes down to poor food choices and practices.

Wash your hands properly before every meal. 

Also be careful how you cook your meals at home. 

Make sure to thoroughly clean vegetables and fruits before you use them. 

And if you are consuming raw fruits or vegetables at home, make sure to steam or boil them before eating.

Enjoy when it rains but make sure that you also take good care of your body and health!

 Authors note:

I received this tag from Meenal Sonal at Aura of Thoughts. It’s my pleasure to pass on this tag to Kala Ravi at Relax-n-Rave. There are 42 of us on this Blog Hop and it will be spread over 3 days – 6, 7, 8 September 2019.

Do follow the #WordsMatter Blog Hop and enjoy our different takes on the prompt "When it Rains"!

I am taking my blog to the next level with Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa.