Health safety in this rainy season

MNA Lifestyle Desk: The Bangladeshi rainy season is in full force and health safety in this rainy season is very important. The season is the season of excitement, fun and green environment.

However, the season also invites a number of health problems which is very difficult to be dealt with such illness. You should take proper precautions to avoid such health problems peeping into your body. Kids need extra care during this season to stay healthy.

The rainy season is prevalent with a host of infections and most seasons are related to respiratory infections, food and water borne diseases that must be taken care of. Cough, cold and flu are common problems of this season that attacks the children faster due to the fluctuating temperature.

Students, office goers and moms’ of little kids, needs to maintain a proper healthy diet and hygiene to avoid falling sick this season. Primarily in the form of diseases like dengue and in infectious bacteria and viruses that become active due to the high humidity brought about by repeated spells of rain.

Here are some tips on how to keep everyone in the family healthy and safe during these very rainy months.

Wash your hands

Bacteria and viruses come alive during the monsoon and you can come into contact with them just by crossing the road or holding on to an infected railing or bench. Wash your hands as frequently as you can with soap and warm water.

Protect yourself from dirty water

Clogged gutters and dirty puddles are a common sight during rainy season. Unfortunately, they are sources of water-borne diseases like diarrhea, influenza, cholera and fungal skin infections. Covering up is the best way to protect yourself from these diseases and still maintain your active life.

Aside from a jacket, invest in a good pair of rain boots. Many commuters prefer wearing rubber slippers because, unlike most closed shoes, they dry fast and are easy to move around in. But slippers leave your feet at the mercy of contaminated elements.

Rain boots are now available for a very cheap price and can be found in a range of styles and designs to suit anyone. They can be taken indoors and stored in lockers or in a bag underneath your office desk.

Keep mosquitoes out

The mosquito population grows during monsoon because stagnant water — their choice breeding ground — becomes more common.To keep mosquitoes out of your life, do some housecleaning. Look through flower pots, fountains, ditches, nooks and crannies that may be holding stagnant water. Clean them out and cover them until the end of the season. Slather mosquito repellent over your body, especially when you go outdoors.

Keep prepared

Prepare rain gear, including 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. Those in immuno-suppressed groups, including children, may catch a cold after being exposed to the cool breeze that often accompanies rain showers. If caught unprepared, step into your nearest supermarket or mini mart – they are usually stocked with basic rain equipment.

Avoid wading

Avoid wading in floodwaters, especially when barefoot. It may be fun for kids but beware of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease that is spread by floods containing urine and other bodily fluids of infected animals, including dogs and rodents. Also, clean or disinfect toys that have been contaminated by flood water before allowing children to resume playing with them.

Take Vitamin C

Increasing the intake of Vitamin C either in natural form or as food supplement will help you drive away the cold virus faster. It is still a matter of debate among doctors whether Vitamin C is cure for cold. However, a healthy supply of this vitamin will activate your antibodies and reduce the severity of cold, undoubtedly.

Shower after being caught in rain

Although it sounds very unusual because if you are drenched in rain, you will never want to take another shower. But taking a shower after you have been caught in the rain will protect you from many infections.

It is very important to keep yourself protected during the rainy season because you can catch infection frequently. It is always better to take precautions and be prepared whenever you go out of your home.