Monsoon season has arrived, and the entire atmosphere will get more pleasant. People look forward to the rain as it brings much needed relief from the summer heat. But rain also brings with it a series of diseases like cold and flu. Flu and cold may be minor infections but can lead to some deadly diseases if not taken care of adequately.
In this blog, we will discuss how to avoid flu, cold and cough so that you can enjoy this rainy season without worrying about your health.
Maintain Good Hygiene
Maintaining good hygiene is crucial to stay healthy during the monsoon. A simple yet effective way to avoid any infection is to wash your hands regularly. Use an anti-disinfecting soap and water and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Be mindful about washing your hands before eating, after using the restroom, and after being in public places (1).Exercise
Exercise provides more benefits than just muscle growth. Regular exercise also helps to boost our immune system which protects us against bacterial and viral infections during the rainy season. Regular exercise helps improve your blood flow which allows immune cells to move more effectively in the body. Exercise also helps in the production of antibodies which are our first line of defence. Regular exercise also helps to reduce inflammation which can weaken the immune system (2).Adequate Sleep
Everyone should get a minimum of seven hours of sleep. During sleep our body releases a protein called cytokines which regulates immune response. Our body repairs cells during sleep which is another important reason to get adequate sleep. On the other hand, lack of sleep can increase stress and inflammation which can weaken our immune system.
Hydration
Drink plenty of water, herbal tea and fruit juices in this rainy season to stay away from cold and flu. Staying hydrated allows your body to remove any pathogens and toxins present in the body. It also helps to prevent dryness in your nose and throat, reducing the risk of catching a cold. Drinking hot water along with green tea is one of the best home remedies for cold and fever. It has shown promise in managing upper respiratory tract infections compared to cold liquids. Hot beverages like herbal teas also provide antioxidant properties which help to boost immune response. It also provides soothing relief and aids in managing fluids while dealing with respiratory infections.
Eat Immune Boosting Foods
Eating immune boosting foods is the best medicine for cold and cough. Foods such as spinach, ginger, garlic, tomatoes and avocados are excellent to boost the immune system in the monsoon season. Eat plenty of citrus foods to improve your body's antioxidant response and production of white blood cells. Choose yogurt as a snack which provides probiotics that improve gut health and immunity. Include mushrooms for vitamin D and oats, cashews and chicken for zinc (3).
Avoid Sharing
Avoid sharing things with your friends during the rainy season as it is one of the easiest ways to catch flu and cold. Sharing food and water can transfer bacteria and viruses from someone else into your body. Also avoid sharing things like utensils, towels, or cups to prevent the spread of flu and cold viruses. These viruses can survive on surfaces, and sharing can transfer them, leading to infection.
Avoid Sick People
Try to maintain your distance from sick people as being close to them puts you at a high risk of catching an infection. Avoiding large crowds can be difficult sometimes but it's crucial to limit your exposure to people who are coughing and sneezing. Infections spread faster in the monsoon season so keep your distance from sick people. Cover your mouth while speaking to them or if it's possible avoid direct contact with them.
Avoid Street Food
We all love to eat street foods in the rain. It has its own special feeling, but it also exposes you to waterborne pathogens and contamination. Rain increases the risk of foodborne illnesses due to poor sanitation and improper food handling. If you want to eat street food while enjoying the rain, make sure the food is prepared hygienically. This limits your exposure to bacteria and viruses, helping you to boost your immune system.
Stay Warm and Dry
Avoid getting wet in the rain as it can weaken your immune system. If you do get wet, dry yourself as soon as you can to avoid catching a cold. Getting wet lowers your body temperature which makes you susceptible to infections. Make sure you not only dry your body but also your clothes and shoes as moisture remaining in these things can also cause problems for you.
Health and Fitness
Neel is an expert blogger who just loves writing about health and fitness. He makes sure that his blogs are fun to read but also informative. Neel is committed to spread awareness through his blogs... Read More
