How to prevent malaria, cold and cholera this rainy season

If you have been coughing and wheezing lately, you may have contracted one of the illnesses that come along with the rainy season. After months of experiencing the scorching heat of the sun, the first showers of rain in the year brought relief to many; however, the downpour could pose some challenges to health.

Scientists say the rainy season invites lots of illnesses and infections which include cold, flu, diarrhoea and some other water-borne and air-borne diseases.
Chest physician, Dr. Anthony Anisuba, identifies the sudden change in temperature and the presence of air and water impurities in the environment as factors that increase fever and other respiratory infections this time of the year.

He notes that water- and food-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid are also widespread during the wet season, adding that the likelihood of ingesting contaminated food or water —especially by those who eat in roadside restaurants — is very high this period.

Anisuba states, “The air and water in our homes and environment are likely to be contaminated and polluted this period more than ever before. When one inhales or ingests these impurities and germs, they weaken the body’santibodies.

“In trying to cope with the infections, the body fights back and this reduces its immunity levels and it may eventually succumb to infections such as malaria, cold and typhoid.”

Though many are aware that illnesses like malaria, cholera and pneumonia infections are rampant this season, they have yet to take steps to protect their kids and families.

While some common illnesses cannot be avoided during the rainy season, experts say if one can take certain precautions, many infections would be kept at bay.

Doctors on weatheragain.com give some tips to help you and your family prevent rainy season illnesses.
Wear protective gear

When you are going out, you should be prepared and well geared so that even if you are caught in rain, you do not get drenched.

When rain starts pouring in, you first look for a shelter and try to save yourself from getting drenched. However, a shelter can save you from getting wet in rain, but it will not protect you from catching any kind of infection. This is especially when your immune system is very low. This is very important. This will save you from many infections.

Drink purified water

To save yourself from water-borne diseases, try to purify the drinking water up to the maximum level. There are many new and improved water filters available in the market. They are economical and useful. If you do not have any water purifying system at home, you should buy one of these this rainy season. You can also drink boiled water in the absence of water filter to get somewhat relief from infections.

Take extra care

Anisuba says though no one wants to get sick, if anyone falls ill, they should visit the doctor if the cold or flu persists even after 24 hours.
“Do not take any kind of risk; and if the temperature or the symptoms do not subside after 24 hours, consult the doctor. The person may be infected with cholera, typiod or pneumonia.”

Stay clean
If the cause of disease is lack of cleanliness either inside or outside the house, get it rectified first. Cleanliness in every aspect is extremely important during rainy season. Always wear clean and dry clothes. If possible, keep one extra set of clothing with you when you go out so that even if you get caught in rain, you can change into dry clothes.

Avoid eating outside, stay fit 

It is good to eat easily digestible food items in this season. Avoid eating out at all costs. Increase intake of green vegetables and fruits. Try to make your life disciplined and exercise for at least 30 minutes daily. This will help you keep away many diseases.

Wash the rain away
If you are caught in rains and get drenched, you should take bath after getting home and get your hair and body dry completely. Wear dry and clean clothes and if you have been in rain for more time, drink some hot drink, preferably hot milk, soup or so. This will save you from catching cold. A glass of hot milk with one teaspoonful of turmeric powder is a very good remedy and you should drink this at night before going to bed.

Also, when a person is sick, he or she might feel depressed and so you can put on light, soothing music so that it helps them feel relaxed. Anisuba adds that if you follow these tips and stay protected, you will ward away infections, allergies and diseases during rainy season. 

Doctors were not kidding when they said prevention is better than cure.

SOURCE: Punchng