Preventive tips to minimise risk of monsoon infections

PTC News Desk: The monsoon season, while bringing much-needed relief from the heat, also brings a surge in infections due to increased humidity, stagnant water, and a rise in disease-carrying insects like mosquitoes. Common monsoon-related diseases include dengue, malaria, typhoid, and gastrointestinal infections.

To help safeguard your health during this season, it’s important to take proactive measures. Below, we provide seven essential tips to reduce the risk of monsoon infections, explaining how each one works and how to effectively incorporate them into your daily routine.

1. Boost Your Immunity

A strong immune system is your first line of defense against infections, especially during the monsoon when fluctuating weather can weaken your body’s natural defenses. To fortify your immune system, include immunity-boosting foods in your diet. Citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, turmeric, and green leafy vegetables are rich in essential vitamins and antioxidants that help your body fight off infections. Additionally, consider taking supplements like vitamin C and zinc to further enhance your immunity.

2. Maintain Personal Hygiene

Good personal hygiene is crucial for preventing the spread of germs and reducing the risk of infections such as the flu, cold, and gastrointestinal diseases. Regular hand washing with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the restroom, is essential. Keep your nails trimmed, bathe daily, and wear clean, dry clothes. In situations where soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to keep your hands germ-free.

3. Drink Safe Water

Contaminated water is a common source of infections during the monsoon, leading to diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea. To prevent these waterborne illnesses, ensure that you drink only safe, purified water. Boil water before drinking or use a reliable water purifier at home. When you’re out, avoid drinking water from unverified sources, and carry your own water bottle. If you choose bottled water, make sure the seal is intact before consuming.

4. Avoid Street Food

While street food is tempting, it is often prepared in unhygienic conditions, making it a potential breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, especially during the monsoon. Consuming contaminated food can result in food poisoning and other digestive issues. It’s safer to prepare meals at home using fresh, clean ingredients. If you must eat out, choose restaurants known for their hygiene practices and opt for freshly cooked, hot food rather than cold or raw items.

5. Use Mosquito Repellents

Mosquitoes proliferate during the monsoon, carrying diseases such as malaria, dengue, and chikungunya. Protecting yourself from mosquito bites is essential. Apply mosquito repellent creams or sprays on exposed skin, particularly during early morning and evening hours when mosquitoes are most active. Use mosquito nets while sleeping, and consider installing mesh screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Additionally, eliminate any stagnant water around your home to prevent mosquito breeding.

6. Wear Appropriate Clothing

Wearing the right clothing during the monsoon can protect your skin from infections, insect bites, and issues like fungal infections caused by dampness. Opt for loose, light, and breathable fabrics that dry quickly. Long-sleeved shirts and pants provide an extra layer of protection against mosquito bites. Make sure to change out of wet clothes promptly to avoid the risk of developing fungal infections.

7. Keep Your Environment Clean

A clean environment is key to preventing the spread of infections. Regularly clean your home, paying special attention to damp areas like bathrooms and kitchens where bacteria and fungi can thrive. Dispose of garbage properly and ensure that drains and gutters are unclogged to prevent water-logging. Use disinfectants to clean surfaces and floors, reducing the chances of infections spreading.

By diligently following these preventive measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling ill during the monsoon season and enjoy the rainy days in good health.