If
you have been coughing and wheezing lately, you may have contracted one of the
illnesses that come along with the rainy season. After
months of experiencing the scorching heat of the sun, the first showers of rain
in the year brought relief to many; however, the downpour will now experience could pose some
challenges to health.
Scientists
say the rainy season invites lots of illnesses and infections which include
cold, flu, diarrhoea and some other water-borne and air-borne diseases.
Chest
physician, Dr. Anthony Anisuba, identifies the sudden change in temperature and
the presence of air and water impurities in the environment as factors that
increase fever and other respiratory infections this time of the year.
He
notes that water- and food-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid are also
widespread during the wet season, adding that the likelihood of ingesting
contaminated food or water —especially by those who eat in roadside restaurants
— is very high this period.
Anisuba
states, “The air and water in our homes and environment are likely to be
contaminated and polluted this period more than ever before. When one inhales
or ingests these impurities and germs, they weaken the body’s antibodies.
“In
trying to cope with the infections, the body fights back and this reduces its
immunity levels and it may eventually succumb to infections such as malaria,
cold and typhoid.”
Though
many are aware that illnesses like malaria, cholera and pneumonia infections
are rampant this season, they have yet to take steps to protect their kids and
families.
While
some common illnesses cannot be avoided during the rainy season, experts say if
one can take certain precautions, many infections would be kept at bay.
Wear
protective gear
When
you are going out, you should be prepared and well geared so that even if you
are caught in rain, you do not get drenched.
When
rain starts pouring in, you first look for a shelter and try to save yourself
from getting drenched. However, a shelter can save you from getting wet in
rain, but it will not protect you from catching any kind of infection. This is
especially when your immune system is very low.
This
is very important. This will save you from many infections.
Drink
purified water
To
save yourself from water-borne diseases, try to purify the drinking water up to
the maximum level. There are many new and improved water filters available in
the market. They are economical and useful. If you do not have any water
purifying system at home, you should buy one of these this rainy season. You
can also drink boiled water in the absence of water filter to get somewhat
relief from infections.
Take
extra care
Anisuba
says though no one wants to get sick, if anyone falls ill, they should visit
the doctor if the cold or flu persists even after 24 hours.
“Do
not take any kind of risk; and if the temperature or the symptoms do not
subside after 24 hours, consult the doctor. The person may be infected with cholera,
typiod or pneumonia.”
Stay
clean
If
the cause of disease is lack of cleanliness either inside or outside the house,
get it rectified first. Cleanliness in every aspect is extremely important
during rainy season.
Always
wear clean and dry clothes. If possible, keep one extra set of clothing with
you when you go out so that even if you get caught in rain, you can change into
dry clothes.
Avoid
eating outside, stay fit
It
is good to eat easily digestible food items in this season. Avoid eating out at
all costs. Increase intake of green vegetables and fruits. Try to make your
life disciplined and exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. This will help you
keep away many diseases.
Wash
the rain away
If
you are caught in rains and get drenched, you should take bath after getting
home and get your hair and body dry completely. Wear dry and clean clothes and
if you have been in rain for more time, drink some hot drink, preferably hot
milk, soup or so. This will save you from catching cold. A glass of hot milk
with one teaspoonful of turmeric powder is a very good remedy and you should
drink this at night before going to bed.
Also,
when a person is sick, he or she might feel depressed and so you can put on
light, soothing music so that it helps them feel relaxed.
Anisuba
adds that if you follow these tips and stay protected, you will ward away
infections, allergies and diseases during rainy seasons.
