The monsoon season can have both positive and negative effects on health. On the positive side, the monsoon brings relief from the scorching heat, resulting in a cooler environment. This can be beneficial for individuals who have respiratory issues or those prone to heat-related illnesses[3]. The increased rainfall during the monsoon can also lead to improved air quality as it helps to wash away pollutants and reduce dust particles in the air[4].
However, the monsoon season is also associated with certain health risks. The increased humidity and moisture create a favourable breeding environment for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes, leading to an increase in water and vector-borne diseases[3][4]. Common health issues during the monsoon season include viral fever, common cold, malaria, dengue, typhoid, hepatitis A, diarrhoea, leptospirosis, and chikungunya fever[3]. These diseases are primarily caused by the damp and humid weather, which facilitate the growth of bacteria and viruses[3].
Additionally, during the monsoon season, there can be an increase in gut-related ailments due to contaminated water and food[2]. Proper hygiene practices, such as washing hands before meals and consuming clean and well-cooked food, can help prevent these issues[2].
To stay healthy during the monsoon season, it is important to take necessary precautions. That include:
1. Stay hydrated: The monsoon season can lead to dehydration due to the humidity. Therefore, make sure to drink plenty of purified or boiled water to keep yourself well-hydrated.
2. Eat home-cooked food: It's better to avoid eating food outside during this season because the damp and humid weather can cause the growth of bacteria, and hence lead to foodborne illnesses. Eat light home-cooked food that is easy to digest.
3. Maintain personal hygiene: Rainy season makes it a perfect season for the growth of germs[6], so you should maintain personal hygiene by washing hands often, taking a shower daily, and wearing clean clothes.
4. Avoid walking in the rain: Walking in the rain can make you more susceptible to infections. So, try to avoid getting wet in the rain.
5. Keep your surroundings clean: Make sure to keep your surroundings clean and dry, and avoid collection of stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.
6. Use mosquito repellent: Mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria are quite common during the monsoon season. Use mosquito repellent with DEET to protect yourself.
7. Eat Health: this will help in boosting your immunity that can help to fight against infections. So, make sure to consume a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals that can help improve your immunity[5].
These tips can help you stay healthy and combat the common ailments of the monsoon season. But it is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice and preventive measures based on your specific health conditions.
Sources:
1. https://www.practo.com/healthfeed/monsoons-and-health-common-ailments-and-prevention-23962/post
2. https://worldmonsoons.org/monsoons-impact-people/
4. https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/tips-to-stay-healthy-during-monsoon/
5. https://www.healthshots.com/preventive-care/self-care/tips-to-stay-healthy-during-monsoon/
6. https://www.apollohospitals.com/lets-talk-health/health-tips/stay-healthy-during-monsoon