Daily Habits to Prevent Monsoon Infections: While raindrops bring relief after the scorching heat, they also bring along a ‘gift hamper’ of illnesses! In fact, the sticky humidity and stagnant water found in various places during this season serve as a five-star haven for bacteria, viruses, and mosquitoes, giving them the perfect environment to thrive. This is why, as soon as the monsoon arrives, hospitals see long queues of patients suffering from ailments like viral fever, vomiting and diarrhea, food poisoning, dengue, malaria, typhoid, and jaundice.

Even the slightest negligence during this season can prove costly—especially for children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with diabetes or compromised immunity—as these groups are the most vulnerable to rapid infection.

Dr. Akshay Chipare, MD (Medicine) at Vencer Hospital, Pune, says, "We don't need to stay confined indoors to enjoy the rain; we simply need to tweak four of our daily habits. By doing so, we can keep most monsoon-related illnesses at bay."

So, let’s find out which four habits the doctor recommends we change starting today:

1. Clean water is your best line of defense
During the rainy season, floodwaters or sewage contaminants often mix with the drinking water supply. This increases the risk of typhoid, jaundice, and severe gastrointestinal infections.

Change this habit: Always drink water that is filtered, boiled, or properly purified. If you are stepping out, carry water from home. Avoid ice cubes available outside, as they are often made from contaminated water. Keeping the body hydrated is essential, but ensuring the water is clean is even more critical.

2. Say ‘No’ to stale and uncovered food
In this hot and humid weather, bacteria and fungi multiply rapidly in food and beverages. Consuming food that has been sitting out for a long time can make you ill very quickly.

Change this habit: It is wise to give up the craving for roadside *chaat* and *pakoras* (fritters), pre-cut fruits, and raw salads during this season. Always eat freshly cooked, hot food. If several hours have passed since the food was prepared, do not eat it without reheating it. People with diabetes, kidney issues, or weak immunity need to be extra cautious in this regard.

3. Don’t let mosquitoes become your guests
People often think that mosquitoes causing dengue and malaria breed only in dirty drains or stagnant mud, but that is not the case. Dengue mosquitoes can lay eggs even in clean, stagnant water.

What to change: Immediately stop allowing water to accumulate in household flowerpots, air coolers, or old vessels, bottles, and buckets lying on the roof. Empty and clean them every week. Use mosquito nets or repellents while sleeping at night and wear full-sleeved clothing when going outdoors. If you experience body aches or a severe headache accompanied by fever, do not dismiss it as a minor viral infection.

4. Don’t make the mistake of playing doctor
Many people, upon experiencing fever, diarrhea, or body aches, take whatever antibiotics or painkillers are available at home instead of visiting a doctor. This habit can prove fatal during this season.

Change this habit: Stop self-medicating—taking medicines without a doctor's advice—starting today. Consult a doctor immediately if you experience persistent high fever, repeated vomiting, signs of dehydration, reduced urine output, shortness of breath, or severe abdominal pain. Timely and appropriate medical treatment is the only way to protect yourself from serious health risks.

The monsoon is truly a beautiful season; it simply requires a little extra care from us. Doctors advise that there is no need to fear the rain—instead, one should remain cautious and prepared. Change these four habits starting today and enjoy the monsoon to the fullest without falling ill!

Question: What precautions should be taken regarding water and diet during the rainy season?
Answer: The risk of waterborne diseases like typhoid, cholera, and gastroenteritis is highest during the monsoon. To avoid them, follow these dietary guidelines:

What to do (DOs): Always drink boiled water, RO-purified water, or water from sealed bottles. Always consume fresh, hot food, as bacteria multiply rapidly in hot, humid weather. To boost your immunity, include seasonal fruits, Vitamin C-rich foods, probiotics (such as curd and buttermilk), and herbal tea (kadha) in your diet.
What not to do (DON’Ts)

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