Rains bring much-welcome relief from the scorching summer heat, but they also increase susceptibility to diseases that are common during the season. The incidence of water-borne diseases, including diarrhea, typhoid, and cholera, rises during the rainy reason. These diseases are 100% preventable, and a threat to life can be avoided with timely diagnosis and treatment of the diseases.

The bodys intestinal and digestive system tends to become weak during the monsoon season, which can increase an individual’s likelihood to catch infections. People should take necessary precautions. They must avoid drinking water that is not properly boiled and stored and avoid consuming food that has been exposed to the surroundings for a long time, for instance, street food, pre-cut fruits, and vegetables. A persons diet during the monsoon season should consist of light and non-spicy food. Greasy, fried and fatty foods have thermal effect on our body and make us feel lethargic and should therefore be avoided.

Contaminated water and unhygienic conditions often cause monsoon ailments. Skin conditions, asthma, and arthritis can get aggravated due to increased humidity.

Here are a few tips to prevent water-borne diseases this monsoon:

• Drink only filtered/boiled water.
• Store water in a clean container.
• Water jars/containers should be washed daily.
• Hands should be thoroughly washed before and after preparing food and eating. Educate children about the importance of washing their hands effectively and regularly.
• It is mandatory to wash one’s hands with soaps or use hand sanitizers after using a washroom, changing a childs diaper, or after visiting unclean and infection-prone areas, such as public washrooms, hospitals, etc.
• Consume warm and home cooked foods and avoid consuming street food.
• Wash food thoroughly before cooking.
• Always keep foods/beverages covered.
• The pipes and tanks that supply water to your house should be properly maintained and cleaned.
• Travelers should only drink bottled water and avoid uncooked food.
• People suffering from water-borne diseases should not go to work until fully recovered to avoid spreading the infection.
• Avoid using ice made from tap water.
• Freezing does not kill the organisms that cause diarrhea. Ice in drinks is not safe unless it has been made from adequately boiled or filtered water.
• Alcohol does not sterilize water or the ice. Mixed drinks may still be contaminated.
• Hot tea and coffee are the best alternatives to boiled water.