The monsoon is here, so is the fear of infections, colds and sniffles. Follow
some common sense medical advice for a worry-free rainy season. Almost
synonymous with the season, of course, are water-borne diseases and
gastro-intestinal infections.
Stomach infections are common during the monsoons. What are the precautions
that can be taken? Gastro-intestinal diseases, including bacterial diarrhoea,
dysentery and cholera, are best averted through precautions. Avoid eating
uncovered or stale food, buying and consuming cut fruit from the market,
eating overripe fruits. Also, make sure the water you drink is filtered.
With water logging common, how does one guard against skin infections?
Ringworm is the most common skin infection during the monsoons. The area
between the thighs, the web-spaces between the toes, the scalp, the head,
and the face, especially the beard area in men who visit barbers for a
shave, are most vulnerable to ringworm. The precaution: Make sure you dry
yourself completely after a bath or after getting caught in the rain.
 Conjunctivitis, which causes redness and irritation in the eye, is also
common during the season. If you do happen to contract it, bathe your eyes
in lots of water, and make sure you don’t rub them.
Infections are common during the rains because the moist weather is ideal
for the growth of various bacteria and viruses. The common ones are malaria
and hepatitis. To guard against malaria, make sure there are no breeding
places for mosquitoes in your vicinity. This includes water used in coolers.
Also ensure your surroundings are clean.
Make sure there are no leaks in your sewage lines, and that they do not lie
close enough to the water lines to contaminate them. Moreover, make it a
practice to keep water at a rolling boil for 10 minutes before cooling and
drinking it.
The basic premise is to not expose your body to the cold. Change into dry
clothes as soon as you can, and avoid very cold foodstuff.
MONSOON DO’S :
 Do avoid spicy and fried food, dairy products like paneer and curd,
meat products.
Do handle chutneys and pickles carefully.
Do store biscuits and namkeen in vacuum containers.
Do take limejuice and mint, as also bittergourd and neem, which act
as anti- infectants.
Do take lots of fluids, even water with a pinch of salt.
Do take extra care of diabetics and asthmatics; both are more
susceptible to infections in monsoons.
Do opt for cottons over synthetics; even though the latter may dry
very fast, the fabric is not porous and tends to trap body moisture,
leading to infections.
MONSOON DON'TS:
 Do not leave cooked food uncovered.
Do not store leftovers for later consumption.
Do not ignore even slight scrapes and cuts. A waterproof bandage is
a must.
Do not go swimming unless you are sure the pool is cleaned and
chlorinated regularly.
Do not touch electrical switches with wet hands or in wet footwear.
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