With the onset of monsoons, sudden down-pours are predictably unpredictable, which many-a0times catches us when we are unprepared for rains, thereby getting us drenched, most of times in water-logged areas. Most of us have a low immunity, due to which picking up on harmful bacteria and viruses, especially flu viruses and Salmonella (bacteria causing food poisoning) are quite easy, which makes us catch cold easily. So here are some counter measures to follow to avoid getting sick.
1.Rain Accessories :
ALWAYS have a rain accessory with you. Either an umbrella or a rain coat, or at least a hooded jacket. I agree, it can be quite tiring and bulky to carry it all the time, so do leave one extra in your office desk, so you are prepared for the sudden downpour while going home, or can extend a helping hand to your friend/colleague who isn’t prepared.
2.Vitamin C:
Do not forget to consume lots of fruits and vegetables which are high in Vitamin C. Vitamin C helps fight against flu viruses; so either drink a citrus fruit juice, or better consume it- consuming fruit, will also load you up with lots of fibers.
3.Smoking:
Smoking might seem the best thing to do while it rains- just like sipping a hot steaming mug of hot chocolate or hot cup of ginger or masala tea; but NO! It does provide a temporary heat to the body, but then weakens your respiratory system, which in turn makes you more susceptible to cold and cough.
4.Shower:
Taking a shower after getting drenched stabilizes your body temperature, thereby regulating the sudden drastic change that the body experiences due to sudden downpour.
5.Stock up on meds:
You never know, when you might catch a cold, even if you take utmost care of not getting drenched; Cold is spread by virus, which can be spread by your friends, family, colleagues, at public places, public transport- almost everywhere. So it always pays off to be prepared on cold and flu meds.
6.Exercise:
The importance of exercise cannot be stressed enough. But, its important to sweat it out, especially when you first observe the initial symptoms of cold and flu- weakness, mild headache, distracted mind, sleepiness. So, sweat it out and stay healthy.
7.Hot Piping Bowl O’ Soup :
You have to agree- nothing can beat the relief that a hot piping bowl/mug of soup provides. Especially after getting drenched. Along with relief, it also helps in providing instant relief by clearing up the throat and providing warmth. So, do stock up on the cup soups available in your office desks.
8.Clean Hands:
ALWAYS wash your hands with liquid soaps before and after using loos, before and after eating, after reaching office, basically, every time you touch a place that you KNOW is filled with harmful bacteria. As we use our hands for almost every activity, virus can easily enter our bodies from our hands, so its super important to keep our hands clean.
9.Water:
Drinking required amount of water actually helps in treating many illnesses, including cold, Keep yourself hydrated properly, and watch water drain away the flu viruses.
10.Avoid road-side foods:
Rainy Season does tempts us to eat hot chaats, Pav- Bhaji, or Gol gappas at road-sides, but these are one of the primary causes for getting sick, as the water they use, often gets contaminated by harmful bacteria and viruses. So avoid eating road side foods at all costs.
11.Always keep a change of clothes, at your office desk. If you get caught in downpour while on your way to office mid-way, you obviously cannot go back home to change, so it is very convenient to have a change of clothes at office so that you can stay fresh whole day.
Prevention is better than cure; Do follow these tips to avoid getting sick in Monsoon, and enjoy the downpour to the fullest. After all nothing is more relaxing and stress buster than getting drenched 😉
By: Archa Dave
