Rainy season and illness

Rainy seasons often come with cool weather. But a host of infections also occur alongside the resulting relief from the heat. People should be aware of these challenges so that they can take necessary precautions. One should be prepared for illnesses related to the respiratory system this season, while water and food -borne diseases will be more frequent.

When the rain starts, it is usual for one to first look for a shelter to avoid being drenched in it. Although a shelter can save you from getting wet, it will not protect you from catching infections in the rainwater. This is what happens when the immune system of the individual is very low.

How to avoid illnesses during the rainy season

• Carry a rain gear with you always – The most effective thing to do is to keep a rain gear with you or in your kids’ school bags throughout this season. Raincoats, umbrellas  and waterproof shoes are the best items.
• Vitamin C – Increasing the intake of vitamin C, either in natural forms or as food supplements, will help you to drive away the cold virus faster. Vitamin C is not a cure for cold, but a healthy supply of this vitamin will activate the antibodies in the body and reduce the severity of the cold.
• Shower after being caught in the rain – it sounds very unusual because having being drenched in rain, you don’t want to take another shower. But taking a shower after you have been caught in rain will protect you from many infections.
• Hot drinks –The best thing is to make a hot meal for yourself or at least drink a cup of hot tea after the shower. This will prevent cold or infection that can occur due to sudden change in the temperature of the body.
• Cleanliness – Hygiene is very important during rainy season. Even if you catch a cold, you should clean your hands regularly and use a sanitiser after that.
• Drink plenty of water – Water intake may reduce naturally because of the sudden drop in the temperature of the environment. It is good to drink plenty of water and do not wait to get thirsty to drink water. This will help you to drain toxins from your body.
• Watch your food intake – Try to eat nutritious food and avoid eating out during rainy season. Prepare your meal in a clean environment.

Common illnesses caused during rainy season

Malaria: It is advisable to sleep in a mosquito net to avoid bites that could cause malaria. The rainy season usually comes with an increase in cases of malaria fever. The disease is caused by bites from the female anopheles mosquito. When stagnant water is left in our neighbourhoods in anything that can hold water, such as flower vessels, old tyres, water containers and mosquitoes will have found a perfect breeding ground.

Common cold: Endeavour to wash your hands at all times to minimise the risk of catching a cold. The chances of developing a cold or flu increases during that period because the virus thrives better in a damp and humid atmosphere.

To minimise the risk of infection, health experts say one should stay away from those that are infected, keep the hands away from their eyes and nose, always wash hands and clean surfaces that may be infected with bacteria or viruses with a disinfectant. Taking warm fluids can also be helpful.

Pneumonia, asthma: An individual who is recovering from cold or flu finds it hard to fight infection. This makes it is easier to catch pneumonia. The disease, which can affect one or both lungs, affects breathing in young children and the elderly.

On the other hand, while environmental allergens and pollutants, such as animal dander, smoke and pollen, can prompt an asthma attack, a change in weather conditions — from cold air to humidity and even thunderstorms — can do the same. One way to control weather-triggered asthma is by taking your prescribed asthma medications, limiting outdoor activity and wearing a scarf around the nose and mouth.

Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by the ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. More cholera outbreaks are usually reported in the rainy season.

Athlete’s Foot : Chances of getting drenched during the rainy season are high and the shoes will not survive getting wet. In many cases, either due to limited resources or love for a particular pair of shoes, there is normally a temptation to wear them the next morning. Since fungus thrive in moist conditions. It is advisable to change the shoes you wear each day and ensure that they are dry when you put them on.

 PUNCH.