Monsoon Survival Guide: How to Prevent Infections This Season
Categories: Health
The intense summer heat is relieved with the arrival of the monsoon season. However, the chance of infection increases as the rain drops. While stagnant water from heavy downpours can serve as a mosquito breeding ground, the increased humidity serves as a breeding environment for germs and viruses.
With the information and practices in this monsoon survival guide, you'll be able to maintain your health all through the season. We'll go over the causes of the increase in infections, typical monsoon ailments, and—most importantly—actionable precautions you may take to avoid them.
Why Does Monsoon Season Increase Infection Risk?
Several factors contribute to the rise in infections during the monsoon:
Increased Humidity: Monsoons bring a surge in humidity, creating a perfect environment for germs to thrive. Bacteria and viruses can survive longer in the air and on surfaces, making it easier to get infected.
Contaminated Water: Heavy rains can contaminate water sources like wells and rivers. Contaminated water can lead to waterborne diseases like diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera.
Mosquito Breeding: Mosquito breeding sites are created by standing water from spilled drains and puddles. These mosquitoes are known to spread chikungunya, malaria, and dengue fever.
Reduced Immunity: Sudden temperature drops and less exposure to sunlight due to frequent rain showers can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to infections.
Close Quarters: People tend to stay indoors during heavy rain, leading to crowded spaces and increased transmission of respiratory illnesses like the common cold and flu.
Common Monsoon Illnesses
Here's a look at some of the most common illnesses that peak during the monsoon season:
Waterborne Diseases: These diseases are caused by consuming contaminated water or food. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal cramps. Common examples include diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera.
Vector-borne Diseases: These illnesses are spread by insects or animals, often through bites. Mosquitoes are the primary culprits during monsoons, transmitting diseases like dengue fever, malaria, and chikungunya. Symptoms can vary depending on the specific disease.
Respiratory Illnesses: The monsoon season's chilly, humid climate makes it perfect for the spread of respiratory viruses. This is the season when upper respiratory tract infections, the flu, and the common cold are most common. Runny nose, sore throat, cough, congestion, and fever are some of the symptoms.
Skin Infections: Fungal infections like athlete's foot and ringworm thrive in the moist conditions of the monsoon. Waterlogging can also lead to bacterial skin infections. Symptoms include itching, redness, scaling, and blisters.
Monsoon Survival Tips: Preventing Infections
By adopting some simple habits, you can significantly reduce your risk of contracting monsoon-related infections.
1. Wash Your Hands Frequently:
The best method for stopping the transmission of germs is this one. After using the restroom, before eating, after handling food, and after coming into contact with any possibly contaminated surfaces, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
If you can't easily get soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol.
2. Drink Safe Water:
Do not drink tap water unless you are certain it's safe. Boil all drinking water for at least 1 minute to kill harmful bacteria and parasites. You can also consider using a water purifier or commercially bottled water.
3. Practice Safe Food Hygiene:
•Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption.
•Cook food thoroughly, especially meat, poultry, and seafood.
•Avoid consuming street food, as hygiene standards might be compromised during the monsoon.
•Leftovers should be refrigerated promptly and reheated to steaming temperatures before consumption.
4. Mosquito Bite Prevention:
•Wear long-sleeved clothing and full-length pants whenever possible, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
•Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Reapply repellent as directed on the product label.
•Use mosquito nets while sleeping, especially if you live in an area with a high risk of mosquito-borne diseases.
•Eliminate potential mosquito breeding grounds around your home by clearing stagnant water from containers, tires, and clogged drains.
5. Strengthen Your Immunity:
•Eat a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to provide your body with the essential nutrients it needs to fight off infections.
•Get enough sleep, as sleep deprivation weakens your immune system. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
•Manage stress levels through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation. Chronic stress can suppress your immune response.
•Consider taking a daily multivitamin or supplements like Vitamin C and Zinc.