Come monsoon and you have a host of health issues to tackle. While the regular flu is usually the first visitor at the door, other air, water and vector borne ailments soon follow.
Children are susceptible to infections in this season marked by a sudden variation in temperature. Taking a few precautionary steps can ward off troubles, warn health experts.
Stagnant water and clogged drains can cause a lot of diseases to spread during the monsoon. Malaria and dengue are typical to spread as stagnant water gives mosquitoes a perfect breeding ground. The anticipatory benefits of cleaning out the surrounding of your home cannot be over-emphasised.
Says Janani Nischitha Jnanatapaswi, Head and Manager, Santhigiri Siddha Medical College, “The one thing you can make sure before the rains arrive is that your house is clean. Ensuring that the surroundings are free of possible viral, fungal and bacterial infections is very important. Maintaining your personal hygiene can help you steer clear of contagious diseases.”
The high moisture content in the air help the thriving of bacteria and fungus. It is common for people to fall prey to illnesses like diarrhoea and dysentery, food poisoning, and influenza. Cleaning out your fridge every once in a while, doing the laundry in time and making the most of sunny days to dry the clothes can help in keeping fungal infections and skin problems at bay.
Children are at an increased risk when it comes to succumbing to infections as their immunity levels are low.
They are also more exposed to communicable diseases as they spent time in close contact with others at schools and playgrounds. Babies often succumb to rotavirus diarrhoea during this season.
“Parents can do a double-check of the immunisation chart of their children before the onset of monsoon,” says Dr Elizabeth K E, Professor of Paediatrics & Superintendent, SAT Hospital, Govt. Medical College, Trivandrum.
“Children are prone to catch cold and flu, which, if not attended to can lead to pneumonia. Asthmatic children will find their symptoms aggravating around this time. Ensure that they drink only boiled water. Give them raincoats and umbrellas when they go to school. Take care that they wear warm clothing in the case of children with asthmatic symptoms.” She reminds that the socks and shoes worn by children have to be dried before they are used again to avoid bacterial infections.
“It may sound as if the monsoon special health routine takes up a lot of time. In fact, it is just a matter of prioritising health for long term benefits,” says Dr Nischitha Jnanatapaswi. She recommends taking warm food, allowing the body to cool before going in the shower and taking an oil massage once in a while.
“According to our traditional health regime, the monsoon season is when you immunize and rejuvenate the body through external and internal therapies. Preventive health care or Karkkidaka chikitsa is prescribed during the monsoon season since the results will be better and long lasting.”
