Monsoons can bring a lot of possible health challenges, with stagnant water, mosquitoes and disease.
The monsoon or rainy season can offer particular challenges to your health, so here are some tips that can
help you keep healthy during this season.
What is the Monsoon?
Blood pressure on the rise from a sodium surge? Curb it by biting into a banana. They’re packed
with potassium, which can ease the effects of a sodium-high diet and help level out blood pressure.The monsoon/rainy season is a seasonal shift in weather patterns, bringing warm, damp air from the sea over
land, which creates high periods of rainfall for a sustained period. The summer monsoon/rainy season usually
arrives in May and June with widespread torrential rain. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes can mark the
arrival of the rainy season/summer monsoon.
How does the monsoon impact health?
The health challenges created by the monsoon/rainy season are usually connected with the impact of having lots
of stagnant water present, which makes it easy for mosquitoes to breed and potentially spread malaria and dengue
fever.
Because of the increase of stagnant water present in the environment there is a marked increase in food
poisoning and gastro intestinal ailments, as well as an increase in coughs, colds, and flu during the season.
Other issues include fungal infections and athletes foot, and, if you suffer from asthma, the excess water in the
environment and warm air can promote dampness and the growth of fungus on walls which can aggravate
the condition.
How do I stay Healthy during the Monsoon?
Keep mosquitoes at bay :
- Use plenty of mosquito repellent, and reapply frequently.
- Use coils/devices to keep mosquitoes out of your environment.
- Keep surroundings clean and ensure there is no stagnant water around.
- Add a few drops of kerosene oil to stagnant water in the places such as the room
cooler to ensure mosquitos don’t breed. - Invert unused containers, coolers, vases, etc. so they don’t collect stagnant water and act as
a place for mosquitoes to breed.
Take extra care with food and drink :
- Eat well-cooked food: it may be worthwhile to avoid raw foods and salads, unless you can
guarantee that they have been washed in clean running water, or a sanitising solution, to kill any
harmful bacteria. - Avoid street food during this time, as there is a greater potential for them to contain harmful
bacteria. - Keep yourself well hydrated with clean and safe drinking water, as you are more likely to
dehydrate during the season.
Keep yourself clean and dry :
- Carry an umbrella and suitable clothing to keep dry in wet conditions.
- Avoid walking in puddles or getting your feet wet. This can cause fungal infections in the feet and
toenails. - Avoid walking in puddles or getting your feet wet. This can cause fungal infections in the feet and
toenails. - Practice good hand hygiene, remembering to clean hands thoroughly with soap after using the
toilet and before preparing and eating food. This is important every day, but is particularly helpful
during the monsoon to combat the spread of viruses and bacteria. - Wash regularly, and if you do get wet, then clean yourself with soap and dry yourself thoroughly
with a clean dry towel, getting in between the toes and any creases on the body. Using talcum
powder can help to ensure you are totally dry to prevent any fungal infections developing. - Antibacterial soaps and body washes can help as they kill bacteria. When bathing in water, you
can add Antiseptic Liquid to the bathing water to kill any harmful bacteria in the water. This is
especially useful if bathing in stored water. Always use as instructed.
Keep your home clean and hygienic :
- Avoid contact with damp walls, as these can be a breeding ground for moulds and other fungus.
- More regularly disinfect surfaces in your home. Take special care of those areas that come in
contact with food as well as damp areas such as bathrooms where excess moisture in the air
can give rise to mould & mildew.
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