Monsoon season is here, and incessant rains in various parts of the country, especially Mumbai, have put life at a standstill.
In Mumbai, BMC officials are ensuring they are ready to attend to distress calls with health staff and emergency response teams staying active in their field operations.
At such turbulent times, it becomes important to make smart choices to stay healthy and ward off illness.
Here are some health and safety tips that could be followed during the monsoon season.
Prevention is better than cure:
Dengue, malaria, and Chikungunya are some of the diseases that are spread by mosquitoes that can be prevented.
Ensure there are no breeding sites like stagnant water in flower pots and keep your surroundings hygienic. Use mosquito repellents and wear long-sleeved clothes to stay away from mosquito bites.
Avoid waterborne and foodborne illness:
Monsoon season is also the time when waterborne and foodborne diseases spread like wildfire. Diseases like cholera, typhoid, hepatitis A, gastroenteritis, and leptospirosis can be avoided by taking simple steps like drinking boiled water and avoiding street food. Also, remember to wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Take care of your skin and lungs:
Rainy season also causes various skin as well as respiratory infections like cold, flu, or even damp-induced rashes.
Ensure that you dry off quickly if you get wet. Use antifungal soaps and powder, especially near skin folds and around feet. Use masks when you step out in public and cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
General safety tips:
Try not to step out if your area is waterlogged, as they are often contaminated. If unavoidable, use waterproof boots.
Eat healthy food that includes probiotics (curd, yoghurt), vitamin-C-rich foods (oranges, lemongrass, amla), and herbs like tulsi, ginger, garlic, and turmeric to build your immunity.
For more information, consult a doctor.