Keep diseases at bay

In Bangalore, one needs to take necessary precautions to stay healthy during the monsoon

Monsoon is that time of the year when one flaunts those brightly-coloured umbrellas, fashionable raincoats and stylish monsoon footwear. Along with the fun and freshness which rains bring, this most-awaited season of the year is also loaded with various diseases.

One needs to be extra careful during monsoon as the chances of falling sick double due to the constant downpour and stagnation of water at various places.

Bangloreans have already started taking preventive measures. From drinking boiled water to keeping their house clean, they have come up with their own ways to stay safe and enjoy the monsoon.

Chitra Samant, a professor at Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, waits eagerly every year for the rains. “Everyone waits for the rain after the scorching summer. I make sure that I don’t get cold or fever and enjoy the rains,” she says.

To avoid falling sick during monsoon, Chitra says, one should drink only boiled water. “That is what I do. I also avoid eating salad as they are meant to be eaten raw; and eating raw food in this season would be risky,” she says. Chitra also adds that every year before monsoon, she makes it a point to call the pest control people to keep her house pest free.

Saina Baby, a professional, says covering one’s nose and ears is the best way to stay away from various diseases.

“I take a stole or scarf whenever I go out and cover myself properly to avoid falling sick. I also consume a lot of hot beverages and warm food and refrain myself from eating street food. While entering the house, leave the footwear outside as it carries lot of germs,” she informs.

People like Uma Devi, who works at BSNL, use hand sanitisers when they are out. “Using hand sanitisers is helpful.

I also make sure there is no stagnant water, a  breeding ground for mosquitoes, to accumulate around the house,” she explains.

Apart from that, she says one should consume hot beverages. People often go for self-medication when they have cold or mild fever. Dr A P Bharath, a paediatrician,
says that self-medication is acceptable as long as people do not take antibiotics.

“Sometimes people avoid going to the doctor if they are ill and rather go for self-medication. It is fine as long as they do not consume any antibiotics,” he advises.

He also adds that common problems during monsoon are throat and stomach infection, cold and fever. “One should take bath after coming home from work and eat warm food. Street food should be avoided,” he informs.

Dr Bharath says, “Children will go through the cycle of falling sick. It is advisable that they be cured naturally which will help build their immune system. Only minimum medication should be given.”