10 Tips to Stay Healthy During the Summer to Monsoon Shift

As summer slowly fades away and monsoon approaches, it’s crucial to prioritize your health during this season change. The transition from hot to humid weather brings an influx of unwanted microbes like bacteria and viruses. 

To help you steer through this seasonal shift, we’ve curated a list of 10 simple health tips to ensure you stay well during this change of season:

Impact of Season Change on Health

• Increased Humidity: The shift from summer to monsoon brings heightened humidity, which can cause discomfort and worsen respiratory issues. Therefore it is critical to maintain proper ventilation and stay hydrated.

• Temperature Fluctuation: Rapid temperature fluxes can weaken the immune system, making it more vulnerable to colds, flu, and other diseases.

• Breeding Ground for Bacteria and Viruses: The moist and humid conditions during monsoon season promote the growth of bacteria and viruses, increasing the risk of infection.

Common Illnesses Occur During Summer to Monsoon Season Change

• Common Cold and Flu: Rapid temperature fluctuations can impair the immune system, making cold and flu viruses more contagious.
• Respiratory Infections: High humidity can worsen respiratory disorders such as asthma and bronchitis.
• Waterborne Diseases: Contaminated water sources during the monsoon season can spread diseases including cholera, typhoid, and gastroenteritis.
• Vector-borne Diseases: Stagnant water offers breeding grounds for mosquitos, raising the risk of malaria, dengue fever, and chikungunya.
• Fungal Infections: Damp conditions can lead to skin infections, especially in areas prone to sweating.
• Skin Allergies: Humid weather can cause fungal and bacterial skin infections, and the increased presence of allergens can heighten skin allergies.

10 Tips to Stay Healthy During the Summer to Monsoon Shift

1. Drink Clean Water

Having access to clean and safe drinking water during the transition from summer to monsoon is critical for avoiding waterborne infections. With the rise in humidity and the possibility of contamination, it is critical to take extra measures.

Use a water purifier:

Install a high-quality water purifier in the home. A water purifier aids in the removal of pollutants such as harmful bacteria, viruses, and other toxins that can cause diseases including diarrhea, cholera, and typhoid. 

Drinking filtered water greatly minimizes your risk of contracting certain infections while promoting overall health and well-being.

Boil drinking water:

Boiling water before eating is an effective and simple way to kill germs. Boiling water for at least one minute kills most germs, viruses, and protozoa, making it safe to drink. 

This procedure is especially critical in locations where water quality is unknown or when the possibility of pollution is high, such as after heavy rain.

2. Maintaining Clean Surroundings

Keeping your living environment clean is essential to prevent the spread of infectious diseases and create a healthy space during the season change.

Prevent water stagnation:

Ensure that no stagnant water surrounds your house since it can serve as a breeding ground for mosquitos, which are carriers of illnesses such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. 

To reduce the risk of mosquito-borne disease, inspect and clean locations where water may accumulate, such as flower pots, drains, and containers, regularly.

Regularly clean household items:

Clean and disinfect frequently used items and surfaces, including door handles, countertops, and electronic devices, to prevent the spread of germs. 

Using disinfectants like Savlon disinfectant spray or Dettol spray can help eliminate pathogens that may cause respiratory infections, skin diseases, and other illnesses. 

Maintaining a clean home environment is crucial for overall health, especially during the monsoon when the risk of infections is higher.

3. Boost Your Immunity

Strengthening your immune system is particularly important during the monsoon season to fend off common illnesses and infections.

Include Vitamin C-rich foods:

Add citrus fruits, berries, guava, broccoli, and other Vitamin C-rich foods to your diet. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that boosts the immune system, aids tissue regeneration, and stimulates iron absorption from plant-based meals. 

Regular eating of these foods can help your body fight infections and shorten the length and severity of colds and flu.

Consume probiotics:

Increase your daily dose of probiotics by eating plain or Greek yogurt, kefir, kimchi, and other fermented foods. Probiotics include helpful microorganisms that promote gut health, which is directly related to immune function. 

A healthy gut flora helps improve digestion, increase nutrition absorption, and strengthen the body’s natural defenses against pathogens, lowering the risk of gastrointestinal problems and other diseases during the monsoon season.

4. Eat Light and Fresh

Choosing the right foods during the monsoon can prevent digestive problems and keep you feeling light and healthy.

Prefer home-cooked meals:

Choose to create your own meals at home using fresh, hygienic ingredients like fresh vegetables and fruits. Eating food prepared at home gives you more control over the food’s quality and hygiene, which lowers your chance of contracting foodborne illnesses. 

You can incorporate a balanced mix of nutrients and high protein vegetarian foods that boost immunity and general health when you prepare meals at home.

Avoid street food:

Avoid street food during the season change since it is more likely to be contaminated and served in unsanitary conditions. 

Street food may include dangerous bacteria and viruses that can lead to diarrhea, food poisoning, and other digestive problems. You need to safeguard yourself from these dangers and encourage improved digestive health by staying away from street food.

5. Regular Hand wash

Maintaining hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infectious diseases.

Use soap and water:

It is very important to wash your hands well with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before eating, after using the restroom, and after returning from the outdoors. 

Handwashing lowers the risk of infections like the flu, cold, and gastrointestinal disorders by removing dirt, bacteria, and viruses. It’s an easy yet effective practice to safeguard both you and other people.

Carry hand sanitizer:

When soap and water aren’t available, always have a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content on hand. 

When you’re on the road, hand sanitizer is a practical and quick way to kill germs on your hands without having to wash your hands. This procedure aids in maintaining cleanliness and halts the spread of illnesses, particularly in public areas where contamination is more likely to occur.

6. Post-Rain Shower

Taking a shower after being caught in the rain helps prevent infections and keeps you feeling fresh and clean.

Use antibacterial soap:

To completely cleanse your skin and get rid of any bacteria or pollutants you might have come into contact with from the rain, take a shower with an antibacterial soap like Dettol or Savlon. 

Since fungal problems are more common during the monsoon due to increased humidity, antibacterial soap helps prevent skin infections and lowers the risk of these problems.

Dry thoroughly:

Dry your body thoroughly with a clean towel, paying special attention to places where moisture accumulates, such as between the toes and underarms. 

Proper drying helps to avoid fungal infections and maintains skin health. To avoid extended exposure to wetness, change into dry clothes right after.

7. Wear Breathable Fabrics

Choosing the right fabrics during the monsoon can keep you comfortable and reduce the risk of skin problems.

Opt for cotton and linen:

Choose breathable textiles, such as cotton and linen. These fabrics allow air to circulate, keeping your skin dry and decreasing the likelihood of rashes and fungal infections.

Cotton and linen are also more comfortable in humid weather, allowing you to keep cool and sweat-free.

Avoid synthetic materials.

Avoid synthetic textiles such as polyester and nylon, as they can trap moisture and heat on your skin.

Synthetic materials can cause excessive sweating and provide a breeding environment for germs and fungi, resulting in skin irritation and illnesses. Choosing natural, breathable textiles is an easy method to keep your skin healthy during the monsoon.

8. Keeping Your Feet Dry

It’s really important to keep your feet dry during the humid monsoon season because damp feet can lead to fungal infections and other skin issues. To prevent this:

Wear waterproof shoes:

Wearing waterproof shoes during the humid monsoon season can help keep your feet dry and protected from puddles and wet surfaces.

Use antifungal powder:

Applying antifungal powder can help prevent infections by keeping your feet dry and reducing moisture.

9. Outdoor Precautions

During the seasonal shift from summer to monsoon, the weather can get rough, and it’s important to take precautions:

Avoid puddles and wet areas

Avoid jumping in puddles or travelling through wet areas to prevent waterborne infections and reduces the risk of slipping.

Use mosquito repellent

Opt for mosquito repellent like Odomos Gel to protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria.

10. Managing Stress

Last but not least, the seasonal change from summer to monsoon can bring stress due to increased health risks. To manage stress effectively:

Practice meditation

Regularly practice meditation or yoga to keep yourself calm during the seasonal change. You can use meditation apps if you’re new to meditation which can help you to reduce stress.

Ensure adequate sleep

Sleep at least 7-8 hours a day which is crucial for maintaining a strong immune system and overall well-being.

Conclusion

As the season changes from summer to monsoon, prioritize your health by practicing proper hygiene, eating a well-balanced diet, and staying hydrated. 

Regular exercise, meditation, and proper sleep are essential for overall well-being. Pay attention to early signs and plan regular health checkups. By following these suggestions, you can ensure a good transition throughout this season. 

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