6 things you can do to stay healthy during the monsoon

Health problems are always an issue in monsoon; the air is filled with moisture and impregnated with viruses and disease, the puddles on the road become nesting grounds for mosquitoes and other unruly insects and the change in weather can cause problems with the temperature of your body.

Keeping all these things in mind, here are a few preventive measures that we can take to remain germ-free and healthy.

Take a hot shower after you get soaked in rain

When we get soaked in rain water, our bodies experience a drastic and sudden change in temperature, which can eventually lead to the birth of different diseases.

Taking a hot shower is the best way of getting rid of germs brought by drenching yourself in rain as it stabilizes the cold temperature. For more safety precautions, use an antiseptic soap while taking shower as it may kill possible infections. Also, do not enter in an air-conditioned room with damp clothes or hair as the change in temperature can cause cold and cough.

Skip eating outside

It is very important to avoid eating from outside as much as possible in the monsoon season, especially foods like panipuri, pakoras and samosas.

It is a trend in Pakistan to buy pakoras from outside whenever it rains as they look very tempting but these foods contain bacteria that may cause many infections.

Such foods have germs in them and it may lead to food poisoning. In fact, we should not even drink water from outside as many water-borne diseases like cholera, dysentery etc are caused by impure water. Street golagandas, kulfis and juices are often made from this impure water and these should be avoided during monsoon.

Keep your house clean and pest-free

Keep your house clean and pest-free in monsoon as it brings viral infections like dengue and malaria with it. Make sure there is no leakage or clogging. Water-logging provides shelter to bacteria and mosquitoes; ensure everything is fixed. If there are broken or rusted drainpipes, replace them as they are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs, and cause dengue and malaria.

Change your bed linens and bed sheets and pack away excess pillows and cushions to avoid damp musty odors. Roll up rugs and wrap them in polythene sheets to protect from insect infestation and water.

Check electrical fittings

Ensure the electrical switches of your house are not exposed to rain. If they are, then immediately cover them to stop water penetration and fix water seepage to avoid electric shocks. Replace or fix the damaged electrical cords without any delay.

Do not make these changes on your own if you do not know how to fix them; call an electrician and make sure everything is safe.

Keep yourself hydrated

It is extremely important to keep yourself hydrated during monsoon to build up your resistance that can help fight against infections. Consume less tea and coffee as they dehydrate the fluids in your system, switch to green tea, juices or herbal tea.

Water also cleans your system and washes away bacteria and germs through your excretory system as it prevents and treats you from illnesses.

Say no to termites

Rainwater spoils the wooden flooring or furniture. It is vital to polish or wax to protect your furniture and flooring from damage by moisture. Humid atmosphere supports the growth of termite; check for termite infestation in your house.

The easiest targets for termites can be cupboards or desks – make sure you check these beforehand. Use cloves or neem leaves to keep away these insects.

Everyone loves getting soaked in rain and eating food from outside, but it can lead to serious health-related hazards. Make sure you keep yourself and your family safe by applying these simple techniques.