Monson rains bring a whole lot of relief from the scorching heat, while doing so it brings with it a host of infections, specifically water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases. In addition, high humid climates can adversely affect your health.

It is important to be really careful during the rainy season with regards to a healthy diet and daily activities. Monsoon can trigger certain health risks, and children, in particular, are susceptible.

Fortunately, there are many measures and precautions you and your whole family can take to avoid catching any illness and stay in peak health condition during the rainy season. Here are 5 tips to help you stay healthy throughout the monsoon:

1. Follow a healthy diet

This is the season where the body and especially the digestive system are most prone to infections. So it’s important to boost your immunity by eating a nutritious diet, which means that your favorite chaat, juices, golas, kulfis, and other street food are off the menu. Try to stay away from pre-cooked food, raw fruits and veggies should be washed thoroughly before eating them. Avoid oily foods that can disrupt digestion and cause digestive issues.

2. Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids regardless of your activity levels. Avoid compensating your liquid intake with carbonated, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks and beverages as the preservatives and sugars in them act as diuretics. Instead, drink warm herbal teas, especially those with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties to increase your immunity. It is important to drink enough water during monsoon, but make sure that you consume boiled or purified water only.

3. Don’t leave home without a mosquito repellent

Accumulated water is a breeding ground for insects. Use insect repellents that are safe for the skin to avoid getting mosquito bites. Keep your surroundings clean, ensuring that drains and sewage lines are not clogged. Check through flower pots and unused containers that may be holding stagnant water, where mosquito breeding is common. Clean them regularly and keep them covered.

4. Practice good personal hygiene

Wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water to avoid infections. Keeping your hands clean will help eliminate most monsoon-related illnesses. A hot shower as soon as you reach home from the outdoors will insulate you against infections caused by the build-up of sweat and dirt due to humidity. Also, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth without washing your hands properly as you may end up transferring germs to yourself. Eye infections like conjunctivitis, stye, dry eyes, and corneal ulcers are common during the monsoons.

5. Wear protective gear

If you are heading outdoors, carry protective rain gear with you; an umbrella, hooded raincoat and waterproof shoes or boots, if you regularly travel by foot, to lower the chances of getting soaked when caught in a downpour. It’s important to keep your chest warm or you may catch a cold after being exposed to the cool breeze that often accompanies rain showers.

Keeping this in mind, we hope you’ll have a safe, healthy monsoon!