When the Rain Feels Less Like Romance and More Like Risk
Monsoons used to be my favorite time of year—until I spent one bedridden with a fever that just wouldn’t break. A bad case of food poisoning, brought on by carelessly eating outside during a stormy evening, had me rethinking everything I took for granted.
Here’s the thing—rain looks beautiful, but it often hides what can make you seriously sick. You may not always see it coming: an itchy foot turning into a fungal infection, or that one mosquito bite leading to a week in the hospital.
Let me walk you through the biggest health hazards during the monsoon and some hard-earned tips to stay clear of them.
1. Stagnant Water Is a Mosquito’s Playground
There’s nothing poetic about water pooling up around construction sites, flowerpots, or the old tyre behind your house. I’ve seen whole families fall ill to dengue just because they didn’t realize a water bucket was breeding mosquitoes.
Real-world fix:
- Pour out all standing water every 3–4 days.
- Use mosquito nets, not just repellents.
- Wear cotton full-sleeve clothes, even indoors.
2. Street Food = Stomach Roulette
I get it—bhajiyas, samosas, and spicy momos are tempting, especially with chai. But trust me, hygiene is often compromised when vendors deal with wet hands, damp money, and uncovered food.
Here’s what I do now:
- Eat homemade or from clean, known kitchens.
- Drink only filtered or boiled water.
- Avoid raw chutneys—they’re bacteria magnets.
3. Wet Clothes + Closed Shoes = Fungus City
I once wore damp shoes two days in a row and ended up with an infection that needed a week of antifungal cream. Lesson learned.
Keep this in mind:
- Dry your feet thoroughly, especially between toes.
- Use open-toe footwear if possible.
- Sprinkle antifungal powder in shoes and underarms.
4. Viral Fever Loves the Monsoon Too
Coughs, colds, and flu go around faster than gossip during monsoons. One cough in an office room, and everyone’s calling in sick by Friday.
My checklist now includes:
- Warm water gargles every few days.
- Vitamin C from fruits, not pills.
- Face masks in crowded public transport or clinics.
5. Waterborne Diseases Travel Silently
You won’t always taste the bacteria in your food, and by the time symptoms show up—diarrhea, nausea, stomach cramps—you’re already dehydrated.
Avoid it by:
- Boiling water even if it’s filtered.
- Keeping oral rehydration salts at home.
- Washing all produce, even packaged greens.
The Monsoon Medical Kit That Saved Me
After years of getting caught off guard, I now keep a shelf stocked during monsoons. Not overkill—just smart.
- Digital thermometer
- BP monitor (especially helpful for my dad)
- Glucometer (my aunt is diabetic)
- Band-aids, ORS, and antiseptic
- Antifungal cream
- Paracetamol and electrolyte packets
- Waterproof pouches for meds
- Extra socks and clean towels
Need reliable equipment? Sites like Aarogyaa Bharat make it easy to get everything without stepping into a chemist on a rainy day.
FAQs
Q: Why do I always fall sick during monsoon?
You’re not alone—it’s mostly because of poor food hygiene, damp clothes, and hidden infections.
Q: Can I still enjoy eating out during monsoon?
If you're careful about where and what you eat, yes. But avoid anything raw or left uncovered.
Q: What’s the best way to boost immunity?
Sleep well, eat clean, stay warm, and avoid unnecessary exposure to cold rain or dirty water.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Monsoon—Just Don’t Invite Trouble
I still love the rains. That smell of wet mud? Still magical. But I’ve learned to respect the risks. And if you’re prepared—with the right food, habits, and a little common sense—you won’t just survive monsoon. You’ll enjoy it.
Don’t wait to fall sick to take it seriously. Prevention isn’t paranoia—it’s just experience talking.
