Rain paints a picture of relaxed evenings and the earthy fragrance of wet soil. Yet behind this comforting scene lies a hidden reality—unseen germs, waterborne illnesses, and infections silently spreading.
Monsoon as reviving makes a perfect recipe for disease to flourish.
The moment the first raindrops hit the ground, puddles begin to accumulate, drains clog up, and mosquitoes begin their subtle takeover. Roads become rivers, sewers overflow, and street sellers continue to dispense food that has been left out under flies for hours. The result is an epidemic of diseases from the lingering discomfort following waterborne illnesses to itchy fungal infections and viral fevers that leave you crumpled in bed.
Here’s your quick reference guide to staying infection-free when skies refuse to clear.
1. Use Boiled or Filtered Water
That shining tap water can appear to be like innocence but it may be filled with killer germs. Rainwater trickles into groundwater, so even your kitchen tap water is not safe. Always boil or use a known purifier.
2. Avoid Street Food and Raw Salads
However tempting that hot samosa looks on the street corner vendor, resist. Flies can simply fly over open food in monsoon, and raw veggies become disease carriers. Better safe than sorry.
3. Wearing Waterproof Footwear Outside
Puddles cover more than mud. They’re quiet infection traps. Leptospirosis, fungal rashes, or dry skin infection most commonly begin with wet feet. Put on water-resistant sandals or rain boots, at the very least.
4. Shower After Getting Wet
Wet may feel wonderful but wet skin is a breeding ground for microorganisms. A hot, soapy shower washes away more than rain. It can protect you from sneaky skin infections.
5. Dry Indoors and Thoroughly
Wet air in wall-up rooms is harmful to your lungs. Mold grows fast on walls, furniture, and even curtains. Ventilate. To absorb moisture, use bowls of salt. Clean corners regularly.
6. Utilize Mosquito Nets and Repellents
Small pools of water can quickly turn into mosquito breeding sites overnight. Counter their invasion with citronella oils, vaporisers, mosquito nets, and covered lids on all indoor water containers.
7. Consume Foods That Promote Immunity
Power your plate. Ginger, turmeric, garlic, and vitamin C-fruits are your army. Feed your gut the good stuff as it’s your frontline of defense.
8. Hand Wash Often
Your hands touch everything—wet handrails, money, door handles. They are involuntary disease carriers. Soap up. Often.
9. Change at Once Out of Wet Clothing
Fungus grows in moisture in clothes. Change. Dry. Do it again. Never shake off the itch that is the beginning of a fungal infection.
10. Cover Wounds Properly
An open wound is an open invitation to bacteria. Keep it clean. Keep it covered. Rainwater is not as innocent as it appears.
Your safety during this monsoon is awareness. Hygiene. And a pinch of common sense.