Common Monsoon Diseases Prevention Tips
The monsoon season brings relief from the long and extremely hot summer season. The rains are helpful for the crops and fill up our freshwater reserves. Many communities also have celebrations when the first showers of the monsoon seasons arise. However, the monsoon and incessant rains that last a few months also increase the risk of many diseases which infect lakhs of people in India.
Germs spread more easily due to the high moisture content in the air and the accumulated puddles of water. The population of disease-carrying mosquitoes also grows rapidly during the monsoons. Some common monsoon diseases include common cold, flu, malaria, dengue, typhoid, etc. However, you can take effective precautions and preventative measures to protect yourself against these infectious diseases.
Note: Even if you are extremely careful, there is still a small chance that you can get infected. Consider buying a monsoon insurance cover to remain covered against hospital and treatment costs for these diseases.
Prevention Tips for Monsoon-Related Illnesses
Let’s take a look at some of the best preventative measures that you can take in order to shield yourselves against monsoon-related diseases:
Protect Yourself Against Mosquitoes
As the population of mosquitoes rises very swiftly during the monsoon season, the cases of diseases spread by mosquitoes such as malaria, dengue, etc. also increase among people. You can safeguard yourself against these diseases by installing screen doors and window meshes in all the rooms of your house. You can also buy electric mosquito repellants for all the rooms. If you have to go outside, you can apply mosquito repellant cream over the exposed parts of your body.
Do Not Drink Water From an Unknown Source
Many waterborne diseases also spread during the monsoon season through water that has been infected by disease-causing microorganisms. So, you should avoid drinking any water that comes from an unknown source. Only drink filtered water that has been processed through a filtration system at your home. If you are going outside, carry a water bottle from home. In the unfortunate case that you do need to consume outside water, buy a sealed mineral water bottle.
Wear a Mask Outside
Many diseases during the monsoon season are spread through the air (air-borne diseases). The most effective way to prevent getting infected by these diseases is to wear a mask whenever you are stepping out of your house. Many scientific studies have proven that wearing a mask can significantly reduce the risk of getting infected with airborne diseases. You should have a set of fresh masks at home and always wear them whenever you are heading outside.
Do Not Let Rainwater Pool Up Near Your House
Many areas in India receive heavy rainfall and puddles of water often collect in people’s gardens, in the streets, in backyards, etc. These puddles often last for days due to continued rains and lack of sunshine. Many bacteria, fungi, and other infectious microorganisms and even insects like mosquitoes breed in these waters and cause diseases. So, if rainwater gets pooled up near your house or inside your house, you should get it cleaned up soon.
Wash Your Hands Regularly
Due to the high moisture content in the air, many airborne bacteria can settle on the various surfaces and items in your house. You should make a habit of regularly washing your hands with soap before preparing or eating food or drinking water. You should also avoid touching your face unnecessarily as it can also cause infectious germs to spread from your hands to your nose or mouth. If you are stepping outside, carry a hand sanitizer and use it frequently.
Maintain Proper Hygiene
One of the best ways to avoid getting infected by diseases, throughout the whole year, is to keep your house and surroundings clean. You can do this by regularly sweeping all of the surfaces in your house and cleaning them with disinfectants like phenyl. You should also wash the bathrooms/washrooms in your house regularly with disinfectants as many diseases can spread from there.
Conclusion
By implementing all of the above-given preventative measures and encouraging your family members to do the same, you can keep yourself and your loved ones protected against monsoon-related infectious diseases. However, even for minors, the risk of getting infected still remains. If you get diagnosed with a serious illness that requires hospitalization, it will eat up your savings. To be prepared for situations like these, you can consider buying monsoon insurance to cover the medical treatment costs of these diseases.
