5 Ways to Build your Immunity Before the Rains Start

In 2015, Delhi saw a record 10,683 dengue cases during the monsoon and this number crossed the 15,000 mark by the end of November. More than 400 people were reported dead during this period. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the chances of surviving malaria have decreased by 47 percent since 2000, making it one of the dangerous water-borne disease. In India, more than 7 lakh cases of malaria were reported in 2015, with 217 deaths being reported. Monsoon is once again set to hit India. Although there are many allergy treatments available these days, it is important to prepare yourself for to remain safe during the rains.

Prepare Yourself for the Rainy Season

1. Stack up on vitamins: This is one of the best ways to increase your immunity during the rainy season. Consumption of foods rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin E help in improving the body's resistance to many diseases. Vitamin C charges the antibodies, which fight against the common cold, while Vitamin E reduces the effect of cold virus.

2. Prepare a healthy diet chart: Make sure you have a healthy, balanced diet, rich in vitamins and minerals. Include plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Also try to avoid street food during this season, since cholera and typhoid are known to spread through contaminated water that is especially rampant during the rains. Prefer homemade tea over the road side masala chai.

3. Drink enough water: We should drink adequate amounts of water everyday to keep ourselves well hydrated. It not only flushes our system but also removes germs and bacteria from the body. If your body receives the Right amount of water, its ability to resist the flu increases. During the rainy season, prefer clean, filtered water. 

4. Get your water resistant gear: The worst part about the rainy season is that it is unpredictable. It rains without any prior warning, so it is important to be well prepared for it. It is better to invest in gear like water proof shoes, bags, umbrellas and rain coats to ensure that you don’t get wet and end up falling sick.

5. Do not allow water stagnation: With the rain, comes diseases. Stored water is the perfect breeding grounds for disease causing mosquitoes and bacteria. It is one of the main reasons for diseases like malaria and dengue. Make proper arrangements for either storing rain water in covered containers or ensure proper drainage. Make sure your children stay away from water logged areas.

One of the most important things during the monsoon is to ensure personal hygiene. Infectious diseases spread very quickly at this time through touch. So, make sure you wash your hands regularly with an antibacterial soap or hand wash, such as Dettol Skincare pH Balanced hand wash that is known to provide 10 times better protection against germs. Also, keep a check on allergy treatments that work for you and keep a hand sanitizer handy for times when you do not have access to clean water and soap.