
The monsoon is a season that brings many health challenges that we should be aware of. The constant humidity, sudden temperature changes and the puddles with stagnant contaminated water foster a favourable condition for mosquitoes to breed and spread infections. Many people experience the common monsoon diseases, including stomach issues, skin rashes, or seasonal fevers. The kids and elderly people are also at a big risk. The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to avoid these problems in the monsoon. In this blog, a leading general physician in Vijayawada shares some easy and practical monsoon health tips and shares everyday habits to help keep you safe and healthy so you can enjoy the rain without any worries.
Synopsis
Why It’s Important to Take Extra Precautions During Monsoon
Water does not drain properly in the streets and buildings. The air also stays damp, and both of these are perfect conditions for germs to multiply quickly and infections spread easily. Hence, even a small negligence in hygiene can lead to fever, stomach upset, or skin problems. That is why taking extra care during this season is not just good advice, it’s necessary to avoid common monsoon diseases.
Here’s why precautions matter more in the rain.
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Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid, and diarrhea are common because water sources get easily contaminated.
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Mosquito breeding in stagnant water spreads dengue, malaria, and chikungunya.
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Respiratory infections increase due to sudden changes in temperature and higher humidity.
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Skin and fungal infections thrive in damp clothes, sweaty skin folds, and wet footwear.
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Low immunity makes children, pregnant women, and elderly people more vulnerable to these illnesses.
Simple Tips to Stay Healthy This Monsoon
Now let’s look at some simple tips to stay healthy in the monsoon that will keep you safe for the next few months:
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Drink Safe Water: During the monsoon, water contamination is the most common problem everywhere. Even clear-looking water like the one you get in hotels can carry harmful germs. Drinking such water may cause diarrhoea, cholera, or typhoid. The safest option is boiled or filtered water wherever you go. Make sure children drink only safe water. It’s best to carry your own bottle when stepping out to avoid risks from outside sources.
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Eat Fresh & Hot: Food gets contaminated faster in the monsoon because the air can carry tiny particles of rainwater, which contain germs. Street food, in particular, is exposed to flies, dirty water, and unhygienic cooking spaces. Eating that can lead to stomach infections. Choose freshly cooked, hot meals at home instead. Also, wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before use, and don’t eat raw salads outside.
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Prevent Mosquito Bites: Mosquitoes multiply quickly in stagnant water during monsoons and spread diseases like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. So the first task is to get rid of all sources where water can collect outside your house. Protect yourself by applying mosquito repellent on exposed skin when going outside. Use nets while sleeping and keep doors and windows covered with screens. Wearing full-sleeved clothes also reduces the chance of bites and keeps you safer.
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Keep Feet Dry: You might think walking through puddles in the rain is harmless. However, the water often carries germs that can be brought into the house, potentially causing fungal infections. Damp shoes and socks make things worse by trapping moisture around your skin. Always dry your feet well and apply antifungal powder. Change into clean socks frequently, and avoid staying in wet footwear for long periods.
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Wash Hands Often: Germs spread faster in the rainy season because we tend to touch more things that are wet or dirty when we go outside. Touching food, your face, or even common surfaces with others can pass on viruses and bacteria. Washing hands with soap and water several times a day is one of the simplest ways to stay safe. It lowers the risk of flu, cold, and stomach infections.
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Boost Immunity: Your body needs extra nutrition for the rainy season to fight infections. Eating vitamin C-rich fruits like oranges, amla, guava, or lemon helps strengthen your immunity naturally. Warm herbal teas made with tulsi, ginger, or honey can also soothe the throat and provide all the important immunity-boosting compounds. A strong immune system is your best shield in the monsoon.
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Exercise Indoors: Rains and moist air can be bad for health for many people, but staying active is still important. Indoor exercises like yoga, stretching, or simple home workouts keep your body strong and boost immunity. Even 20–30 minutes of activity daily is enough to hit your fitness quotas. It also lifts your mood and reduces the risk of seasonal illnesses.
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Get Good Sleep: Rest is equally important as food and exercise. It is effective in the monsoon when the body is more prone to infections. Lack of proper sleep weakens immunity and makes you feel tired or low in energy. You should get 7–8 hours of sound sleep every night to help your body recover and stay healthy.
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Avoid Getting Wet in the Rain: Getting drenched in the rain often can make you sick because the air is filled with microscopic water droplets, which carry bacteria and viruses. Getting wet also makes you more susceptible to get an infection. So avoid it as much as possible.
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Conclusion
By following the tips discussed, you can take good care of your health this monsoon and stay healthy. Healthy food, good hygienic practices, exercise, and rest are the main things to focus on in monsoons. But if your symptoms persist, you should consider consulting general physicians at Manipal Hospital Vijayawada for expert care.
FAQ's
During monsoon there is a sudden weather change with lingering high humidity, puddles with stagnant water, and a significant drop in the temperature. This kind of weather is very favorable for breeding of germs and faster spread of infections making people fall sick more often if they have a weak immunity.
During monsoons it is recommended to avoid street food, cold food, and raw salads and cut fruits that are not covered properly. It is better to consume freshly prepared and hot home food. You can also have hot soups and herbal teas that help boost the immunity.
Give them safe drinking water, home-cooked meals, and dress them in full sleeves. Teach them to wash their hands often.
Yes, most repellents are safe if used as directed. Apply only to exposed skin and wash it off after coming indoors. You can also use mosquito nets during the night. Additionally, make sure that there are no puddles around the home. Avoid contaminated water accumulation around flower pots and storage tanks.
Most of the monsoon diseases are self-recovering with proper rest and home care. However, you must consider consulting a doctor when your fever lasts more than two days, you notice rashes on your skin, have severe stomach upset, or feel unusual tiredness despite of adequate rest and home-care measures.