The Critical Role of Washing Hands to Avoid Seasonal Infections During Monsoon

 Monsoon season brings relief from scorching heat, but also comes with rise in seasonal infections like cold, flu and more serious condition such as swine flu. Being able to deal with the viruses and bacteria that cause flu or infections is in our hands.

Understanding the monsoon diseases

The wet and damp conditions during monsoon season create perfect spots for germs to grow, which makes us more likely to get sick. Respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia, asthma attacks and flu become prevalent, bringing symptoms such as viral fever, common cold, cough, malaria, and dengue etc. Waterborne diseases such as typhoid and cholera, also become a big problem.

To shield ourselves against these symptoms during monsoon season, which can spread from person to person, we must adhere to personal hygiene and infection control practices. Here are the guidelines to keep yourself and your family safe:

• Practice handwashing regularly with soap and water: Regularly wash your hands with handwash and water for at least 20 seconds. Ensure that you cleanse all areas meticulously. Use germ-protection handwashes like Savlon Deep Clean Handwash which provides 99.9% germ protection*. It cleanses tough dirt & grime to leave your hands squeaky clean. The handwash is made with 90% natural origin content^# and doesn’t contain parabens, silicones, triclosan or triclocarban. It is enriched with orange essence. Make it a routine to wash your hands thoroughly before handling food and remember that cleanliness is your shield.

According to Dr. Gunjan Verma, Dermatologist, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, “During monsoon season, hand hygiene becomes even more crucial for staying healthy and preventing the spread of germs. The damp environment and potential for contaminated water sources create ideal conditions for bacteria and viruses to thrive. Regular handwashing removes these harmful microbes, significantly reducing the risk of monsoon-related illnesses like cold and flu which spreads easily through contaminated hands and water. Additionally, consuming boiled or purified water and maintaining a clean-living environment further strengthens our defences against monsoon-related ailments. By making handwashing a habit, we protect ourselves and those around us from falling ill during the monsoons.”

• Avoid touching your face: As we touch a lot of surfaces in a day, our hands become a carrier of germs. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep hands away or avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth, as these are commonly the entry points for germs.
• Practising personal hygiene etiquette: One should cover their mouth and nose with tissue while coughing or sneezing to prevent the spread of droplets which can spread the germs.
• Food safety: Avoid washing fruits and vegetables with stagnant water, especially during monsoons when water may be contaminated. Use clean running water instead. After washing, pat dry leafy greens with a clean cloth or use a salad spinner. Ensure all moisture is removed before storing to prevent bacterial growth. Avoid eating street food, as it may not be prepared hygienically.
• Mosquito control: Use mosquito repellents, wear long sleeves and pants, and eliminate stagnant water breeding grounds to prevent mosquito-borne diseases like dengue and malaria. Domestic water storage containers such as coolers, buckets, etc. should be covered, emptied, and cleaned on a weekly basis.
• Ensure safe and clean drinking water: Monsoons bring much-needed water, they also heighten the risk of water contamination. Taking extra precautions to ensure clean and safe drinking water is essential to prevent illness during this time.

(*Basis lab study on sample microbes. Washes away germs. ^#Basis applicable standards.)