Personal hygiene must to keep infections at bay during monsoon

At a time when coronavirus pandemic has created havoc across the country, the onset of the monsoon season has added to the woes of the citizens, as communicable air and water-borne diseases such as malaria, filaria, dengue might pose a threat to their health. In these extraordinary times, it is important to maintain healthy habits and avoid infections by following self-discipline, personal hygiene, and eating nutritious foods to boost immunity.

Hyderabad: Coronavirus is spreading its ugly head at a rapid and high speed across the nation. And now, with the onset of the monsoon season, people are being threatened with other communicable air and water borne diseases such as malaria, filaria, dengue etc.

Doctors who have been battling coronavirus in Telangana state are worried about them getting infected with this virus, while treating the affected patients and this is creating much more havoc amongst the common citizens. Corona spread across the country was accelerated following the relaxation of the lockdown restrictions.

In these extraordinary times, it is important to maintain healthy habits and avoid infections by following self-discipline, personal hygiene, and eating nutritious foods to boost immunity.

Area around the homes where rainwater is stagnated, is susceptible to become habitats for mosquitoes and flies. There is a risk of rain water storing in empty drums, tanks, old equipment, coolers, bicycles, two-wheeler tyres and flower pots and ponds. These should be cleaned and kept dried from time to time.

Otherwise the humid weather will increase and there is a risk of mosquito breeding in the dark. The house should be adequately ventilated and free flow of air and light should be allowed into the house. Caution should be exercised in management of drainage and wastewater. Using empty streets, vacant lands and areas between the houses, for piling up of garbage should be stopped at any cost. Otherwise, it poses a serious risk to the people in terms of sanitation.

As a result of the monsoon, naturally cold and humid climate is more likely to cause fungal infections. Skin diseases are also susceptible. Precautionary measures should be taken, as long-term illnesses such as pneumonia, asthma, and sinusitis are more likely to be affected by climatic changes. It is important to consult a doctor immediately if a person is presenting himself with cold, fever and coughs beyond two or three days, which is asymptomatic to the deadly coronavirus. This is because in most of the cases, the virus is spreading without the exposure of corona symptoms. If symptoms appear early, treatment can be initiated immediately.

Drinking water and consuming food should be vigilantly consumed during the rainy season. Water should be surely boiled, cooled and filtered properly in a sequence and only then should be consumed, as to prevent diseases. Diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, jaundice, and cholera can be caused by drinking contaminated water and food. Eat hot foods and fresh foods as part of a meal. Consuming contaminated food can cause vomiting and diarrhea. Diseases such as cholera and diarrhea can spread. Vegetables and greens should be washed thoroughly before cooking. Maintaining personal and social hygiene, self-care and health discipline in addition to taking care of drinking water and food is crucial.

Washing legs and hands every time you go out should be made a habit. Mask and sanitizers must be used as part of daily life. It is advisable to postpone mass events such as celebration dinners and get-togethers for a while. Emergency meetings / gatherings must be conducted in limited numbers. The spread of the virus can be curtailed by restricting meals, group gatherings, meetings in offices and other workplaces. Maintaining physical distance during the purchase of vegetables and essential commodities and avoiding people with symptoms can help prevent viral fever and infectious diseases from spreading across to the others.

In the face of increasing pressure on hospitals and medical facilities, self-care, nutrition and hygiene, and self-isolation, may limit the spread of the virus. People with lifestyle illnesses can take medication at the right time, follow appropriate dietary advice and, if possible, meditate on yoga and meditation to protect themselves from disease. If diagnosed with Covid-19 disease, the corona epidemic can be curtailed by taking appropriate steps and following the advice of a medical professional without losing confidence.