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Vashi2Panvel.Com: Navi Mumbai: July 24: Monsoon along with the fun and frolic also brings with it diseases like malaria, jaundice, intestinal infections (typhoid and cholera) and viral infections (with cold and cough). Over the last few months there have been many reports showing the rise in number of cases of the diseases like malaria and viral gastroenteritis, in the city. It is time for us to keep our body resistant against diseases by boosting our immunity and taking precautions against these diseases. For this reason it becomes essential to keep in mind a few things, which will help us to prepare ourselves, better to fight such diseases and ensure safety and health of our family.

Prepare for the rains...
1. Water puddles become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, which spread diseases like malaria and dengue fever. As a precautionary measure one can use mosquito nets around the bed or mosquito repellents like mats and coils. Fumigating the house with smoke of dried neem leaves in evenings for 1-2 minutes is an excellent Ayurvedic method to keep mosquitoes away.
2. Pollution of drinking water during monsoon is very common, causing diseases like diarrhoea and gastro intestinal infections. Drinking boiled water at home is strongly recommended to tap water. Prefer mineral water of government certified companies when you are away from home.
3. Walking in dirty water during rainy season leads to numerous fungal infections, which affect toes and nails. Diabetic patients have to take a special care about their feet. Always keep your feet dry and clean. Avoid walking in dirty water. Keep your shoes, socks and raincoats dry and clean.
4. Precautions have to be taken to prevent dampness and growth of fungus on and around the house where asthmatic patients live. Avoid fumigation in presence of asthmatic patients.

Tips to increase body immunity and preventing monsoon diseases:
1. Spraying insecticides in the room, burning pyrethroid coils and heating insecticide impregnated tablets all help to control mosquitoes.
2.Light foods prepared out of old barley, rice and wheat.
3.Sour and salted soups of vegetables.
4.Drinking boiled and cooled water mixed with little honey.
5.Adding ginger and green gram in daily diet.
6.Eating warm food.

Additional Precautions
1.Always keep the surrounding dry and clean.
2.Keep your body warm as viruses attack immediately when body temperature goes down.
3.Do not enter air-conditioned room with wet hair and damp cloths.
4.Wash vegetables with clean water and steam them well to kill germs.
5.Avoid eating uncooked foods and salads.
6.Drink plenty of water and keep your body well hydrated.
7.Avoid raw food — including peeled fruits, raw vegetables and salads — that has been touched by human hands.
8.Avoid undercooked meat and fish.

The diseases mostly attack those who have a weak immune system or those who have not been able to maintain basic hygiene in their surroundings.

The various anti malarial tablets are:
· Atovaquone/proguanil (brand name: Malarone ™)
· Doxycycline
· Mefloquine
· Primaquine (in special circumstances)
( All the medicines are to be taken only after consulting physician)

With some basic precautions and preventive measures we can save ourselves from some of the deadly diseases of the monsoons. So, get set to enjoy the rains now that you can be carefree about the health of you and your loved ones.

Smriti Mishra